Self Riding Experience
Secondary Research
Ideation to improve Spatial Awareness
Case Studies
Design Concept: Third Eye
Components Used:
Cycle Helmet:
The base structure of the prototype consists of a standard cycle helmet, providing stability and support for the device.
Cloth Hanger (Support):
A cloth hanger is repurposed to serve as a support mechanism, attaching the prototype securely to the cycle helmet.Phone Case:
A phone case is utilized to hold the phone, which acts as a mirror at the end of the prototype. The reflective surface of the phone simulates the functionality of a rearview mirror.
First Testing
Location: Field testing conducted at Burges Park.
Goal: Assess prototype functionality and user interactions in real-world scenarios.
Activities: Engaged in walking, jogging, and other routine movements within the park.
Observations: Examined users' experiences and perceptions of the prototype during different physical activities.
Insights: Gained insights into prototype adaptability across varied activities.
Feedback: Obtained valuable feedback for further improvements and refinements.
Outcome: Hands-on testing facilitated understanding of user needs and informed prototype development process.
Testing insights
Takes time To get Used to:
The prototype took a while to get used to by the users. At first, it felt more like a struggle to get adjusted to it.
Weight and Adjustments:
The advantage of using the prototype was not only experiencing the environment with an additional eye, but the vision could also be adjusted, In terms of focal length, zoom and also able to record.Comfort and Fit Issues:
The prototype wasn't comfortable for the users. It was hard to balance it while performing tasks. That caused a hindrance on the experience. It had to be adjusted multiple times.
Learnings
Learning Curve:
As seen by the testing, it may likely require some learning curve to get used to the prototype, depending on the complexity of the project.
Technological use can add more flexibility:
The use of a mobile phone instead of a mirror for the prototype brought to the attention how it can be adjusted and flexible according to each individual’s needs as it wouldn’t have been possible with an analogue mirror.
Second Prototype Testing: Commuter-Focused Evaluation
Focus Shift: The second phase of testing shifted focus to evaluate the practical application of the Third Eye prototype in real commuting scenarios.
Objective: To assess tangible differences and advantages introduced by the Third Eye in everyday commuting situations, compared to scenarios without the prototype.
Testing Approach: Users were tasked with performing specific basic tasks while utilising the Third Eye prototype, allowing for a comparative analysis with scenarios where the prototype was not in use.
Goals:
Evaluate how the Third Eye influences efficiency, safety, and overall experience during the commute.
Identify practical utility and effectiveness of the device in diverse commuting scenarios
Methodology: Engaged users in routine commuting tasks with and without the prototype to discern its impact on their daily commute.
Expected Outcomes: Insights from commuter-focused testing to inform refinements and enhancements for seamless integration of the Third Eye into daily commuting activities.
Pro's
Enhanced Awareness of Approaching Vehicles:
One notable advantage was the heightened ability to locate vehicles approaching from the rear. The third eye facilitated a faster response compared to normal cycling, potentially contributing to improved safety on the road.
Object Identification:
The prototype demonstrated proficiency in object identification, offering the cyclist an additional layer of information to navigate their surroundings effectively.
Non-Distracting Front Vision:
Importantly, the prototype did not distract from the cyclist's front vision. This characteristic is crucial as it ensures that the additional sensory input does not compromise the cyclist's ability to focus on the immediate path ahead.
Facilitated Turnarounds:
The third eye proved beneficial when executing turnarounds, providing enhanced capability to identify approaching vehicles from behind, thereby aiding in smoother and safer manoeuvres.
Improved Sense of Surroundings:
Overall, users reported a heightened sense of their surroundings, contributing to an increased level of alertness and awareness during the cycling experience.
Con's
Comfort and Fit Issues:
A significant drawback surfaced in the form of discomfort and a loose fit of the prototype. Users found it challenging to wear the device for extended periods, potentially limiting its practicality for long-duration cycling sessions.
Weight and Adjustments:
The prototype's weight emerged as a concern, leading users to experience the need for frequent adjustments during their cycling activities. This issue could potentially impact the cyclist's comfort and concentration on the road.
Placement of the screen:
The user observed that the prototype was centrally positioned, as opposed to a slightly off-centre placement. However, this central positioning resulted in an obstruction caused by the user's reflection, which occupied approximately 30% of the screen. Consequently, this reflection impeded peripheral vision during testing.
Final Insights
Interference with Vision
During testing, it was observed that the prototype's placement and design somewhat interfered with users' vision, potentially obstructing their view of the road ahead.
Balancing Visibility and Functionality
Finding the right balance between enhancing rear visibility and ensuring unobstructed vision for the cyclist's primary direction of travel emerged as a key challenge.
User Feedback
User feedback highlighted the importance of optimising the prototype's design to minimize vision obstruction while maximizing safety benefits.
Iterative Design Process
This insight prompted an iterative design process focused on refining the prototype's form factor and placement to maximize functionality without compromising overall visibility and safety for the cyclist.
Moodboard and Inspiration
Concept Ideation
Literature Study
Sensory Substitution
Sensory substitution involves using one sensory modality to convey information that is typically received through another sensory modality. For example, converting visual information into auditory or tactile information for individuals with visual impairments.
Lloyd-Esenkaya, T., Lloyd-Esenkaya, V., O’Neill, E. et al. Multisensory inclusive design with sensory substitution. Cogn. Research 5, 37 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1186/s41235-020-00240-7
Eagleman, D.M. and Perrotta, M.V. (2023) ‘The future of sensory substitution, addition, and expansion via haptic devices’, Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, 16. doi:10.3389/fnhum.2022.1055546.
Shull, P.B., Damian, D.D. Haptic wearables as sensory replacement, sensory augmentation and trainer – a review. J NeuroEngineering Rehabil 12, 59 (2015).
"Just give the brain the
information and it will figure it out"
-Paul Bach-Y-Rita
Case Studies
Brainport
Neosensory
Wayband
Voice
Design Concept 1:
Enhancing Cyclist Spatial Awareness with Proximity Sensing
Problem Identification
Blind Spot Threat: Cyclists face a significant threat from vehicles approaching from their rear side due to limited awareness, posing safety risks.
Inspiration: Biomimicry Approach
Echolocation Analog: Drawing inspiration from animals like bats and dolphins, which use echolocation to map their surroundings, we seek to implement a similar concept for cyclists.
Inspiration: Biomimicry Approach
Echolocation Analog: Drawing inspiration from animals like bats and dolphins, which use echolocation to map their surroundings, we seek to implement a similar concept for cyclists.
Design Concept Features
Proximity Sensors: Utilise sensors capable of detecting objects in the cyclist's vicinity, providing real-time feedback on their proximity and location.
Haptic Feedback: Translate proximity data into haptic feedback signals, allowing cyclists to perceive the presence and location of objects without visual reliance.
Potential Benefits
Enhanced Safety: Empower cyclists with the ability to map their surroundings in 3D space, reducing the risk of collisions with approaching vehicles and other obstacles.
Accessibility: Provide a non-visual means of spatial awareness, benefiting cyclists with visual impairments or those riding in low-light conditions.
Research: Human Body Sensitivity Mapping through Haptic Feedback
As part of our research project, we conducted a comprehensive body-mapping exercise to explore and understand the human body's sensitivity to haptic feedback. Participants were equipped with vibration motors linked to an Arduino platform, enabling controlled and customisable vibration stimuli delivery.
Exercise Details:
During the exercise, participants were instructed to identify and label regions on their bodies where they experienced varying intensities of vibration. The vibration motors emitted regulated stimuli, allowing participants to discern high and low vibration intensities accurately.
Methodology:
Equipment Setup: Each participant received a vibration motor connected to an Arduino platform, ensuring consistent and precise vibration delivery.
Instruction: Participants were guided to identify and label regions of their bodies experiencing high and low vibration intensities.
Color Coding: Three colors were assigned to denote different vibration intensity levels, aiding in the visualization and analysis of sensitivity patterns.
Insights
Upper Body Sensitivity
Analysis revealed that the upper body, excluding the abdomen, exhibits heightened sensitivity to vibrations.
Common Sensitivity Regions
The back, chest, and neck areas were consistently identified as highly sensitive to haptic stimuli across all participants.
Significance of Upper Body
The prevalence of sensitivity in these upper body regions underscores their importance in haptic perception.
Placing Vibration points
Dividing into Zones
V1, V2, V3 = Vertical Zones
H1, H2, H3 = HorizontalSelecting Points according to body Mapping result
Building Prototype
Cutting Cloths in a shape of a vest
Compiling arduino
Testing Vibration Motor
Attaching Arduino
Organising Arduino
Attaching Vibration Motors
Testing
Goal: Identify the sensory intensity of vibration Motors
Testing 2: Increasing Complexity
The Prototype was built with three proximity sensors Pointing in three different directions away from the body. The proximity sensors are then connected to the vibration motors through an Arduino.
Proximity Sensor
Testing Process
Initial usability tests focus on gestural inputs for proximity sensors.
Despite initial technical issues, debugging efforts improve sensor performance.
Users successfully identify directions of ten gestural prompts, indicating prototype's functionality.
Subsequent study tests prototype's navigational capabilities via blindfolded challenge.
Proximity sensors placed at shoulder height require consideration of object height for detection.
Results inform further development and optimisation of prototype design.
Insights
Gestural Recognition:
The optimised prototype showed high accuracy in recognising gestures via proximity sensors, enabling reliable interpretation of ten prompts.
Navigational Efficacy:
Users navigated blindfolded challenges successfully, relying solely on haptic feedback for spatial awareness, showcasing the prototype's potential in orientation without visual or auditory cues.
Sensor Placement
Impact:
Placing sensors at shoulder height influenced object detection relative to height, emphasising the need for optimisation in varied scenarios.
User Adaptation:
Placing sensors at shoulder height influenced object detection relative to height, emphasising the need for optimisation in varied scenarios.
Workshop Description
We conducted a group riding exercise to explore the dynamics of collective riding experiences. The exercise comprised two distinct parts aimed at understanding how multiple riders interact with each other and addressing challenges in implementing this approach effectively.
Exploring Group Riding Dynamics
Leisure Cycling Session
Location: Conducted in a park setting.
Focus: Investigated how groups navigate and coordinate during relaxed cycling activities.
Guiding Principles: Explored factors influencing group dynamics, including communication, leadership, and mutual awareness among riders.
Urban Cycling Segment
Route: From Burges Park to the London College of Communication.
Objective: Contrasted dynamics observed during leisure cycling with complexities of riding in urban settings.
Analysis: Examined decision-making processes and group behaviour in diverse riding contexts.
Research Insights
Varied Dynamics: Insight into group riding dynamics in different contexts.
Decision-Making Factors: Understanding influences on group behaviour, including communication and leadership.
Future Strategies: Critical for developing technologies or systems to accommodate and enhance collective riding experiences.
Cycling Track
Navigating in the Park
Navigating on the Streets
Insights
Slow Decisions:
Delays in decision-making, possibly due to communication challenges, disrupted the fluidity of the ride, emphasising the need for streamlined processes.
Unequal Experiences:
Heterogeneous skill levels resulted in disparate experiences, affecting overall satisfaction within the group.
Chaos:
Cumulative effects of communication issues, uneven speeds, unequal experiences, and confusing decisions resulted in chaotic moments during the ride.
Uneven Speeds:
Diverse cycling abilities led to uneven speeds, creating gaps and impacting the cohesion of the group.
Confusing Decisions:
Multiple decision-makers led to confusion and indecision, impacting the clarity of direction, route, and stops.
Communication Challenges:
Group cycling exhibited difficulties in effective communication, attributed to ambient noise, varied speeds, and a lack of clear channels.
Ideation Board
Ideation 2: Flock Riding
Inspiration: Harmonious flight patterns of birds
Objective:
Foster synchronised network among cyclists within a group
Key Features:
Utilises technology for dynamic speed calculation and monitoring
Identifies deviations from group's average speed
Employs haptic feedback mechanisms for non-verbal communication
Functionality:
Subtly nudges cyclists exceeding or falling below average speed
Promotes unified and coordinated riding experience
Enhancements:
Integration of heart rate monitor or input button for emergency alerts
Allows cyclists to signal fatigue or difficulties to the group
Benefits:
Enhances group cohesion
Contributes to a more harmonious and enjoyable collective ride
Improves safety and responsiveness within the cycling group
Mood board
3rd Testing
Goal
Primary: Evaluate the ability of participants to sense vibrations through clothing.
Secondary: Explore potential applications for the wearable prototype.
Participants
4 participants involved in the testing.
Methodology
Participants wore the prototype loaded with a repeating pattern of vibrations.
Feedback gathered regarding the sensation of vibrations through various types of clothing.
Findings
All participants confirmed sensing vibrations through their clothes, even when wearing thick fabrics.
Vibrations were described as strong enough to be noticeable but not annoying.
Richness of suggestions provided by participants aligned with secondary research:
Safety applications
Urban navigation aids
Other potential uses
Limitations
Participants were not representative of the target audience.
Testing environment did not simulate real-world conditions where the prototype would be used, as it was conducted indoors.
Finalising Vibration motor Locations
Paper cutting prototype
Marking Locations
Final Markings
Designing Haptic Language for Cyclists
Scenario: Detection of Approaching Vehicles
Functionality
Prototype's proximity sensors detect an approaching car.
Integrated motors set to vibrate in a wave-like pattern as a response.
Purpose
Foster synchronised network among cyclists within a group
Example
Rider receives intuitive indication through wave-like haptic input.
Vibrations represent the presence of an oncoming automobile.
Steady and regular vibrations indicate vehicle's closeness.
Functionality:
Subtly nudges cyclists exceeding or falling below average speed
Promotes unified and coordinated riding experience
Goal
Establish symbiotic relationship between technology and human intuition.
Result in a safer and more connected cycling experience.
Benefits:
Offers physical representation of environmental signals.
Allows comprehension and response without relying on visual or auditory cues.
Improves situational awareness for cyclists on the road.
Testing Evaluating Haptic Patterns
Insights
Participants' Ability to Differentiate
Tactile Feedback Signals
Divergence observed in participants' experiences during testing.
One participant successfully identified distinct haptic patterns, while the other encountered difficulties.
Influence of clothing on
Perception
Clothing worn by participant acted as a padding layer.
Padding distributed vibrations from motors, potentially reducing perceptibility of haptic signals.
Winter gear presented a challenge to haptic feedback in terms of signal attenuation or alteration.
Implications for Haptic
System Design
Need to account for differences in clothing thickness and material.
Ensure users can detect and discern haptic patterns regardless of external conditions, such as winter clothing.
Importance of creating a resilient and adaptive haptic system to improve user experience across varied environmental circumstances.
