Proxemics: Convention Conversation Kiosk

Project Description

For this project, we were asked to design an application that utilizes proxemic interactions. There was also more emphasis on creative use of proxemics and a unique application scenario. Our options for the subject of our application were as follows:

  1. A mobile interface for a “smart” object. Turn a non-smart object into a “smart” object.
  2. A stationary display that solves a problem in your home.
  3. An application that helps support a multi-person in-person situation.
  4. Choose your own idea.

The scenario I decided on was "An application that helps support a multi-person in-person situation." I was motivated by the idea of providing support for interactions at conventions, and finding new friends at social conventions. Conventions have already established different types decorations and tools aimed at showing off your interests to find other people who share the same interests. These are things like customized badges and con ribbons that display the media and hobbies you enjoy, so I thought I could apply those ideas to a new technical form. I hoped with my implementation I could make a tool for shy convention goers, as well as providing a form of customization for those who can't afford to buy custom items for each convention.

Concept Sketches

When I first began sketching, I was most excited by the idea of "An application that helps support a multi-person in-person situation." However, I still wanted to sketch some of the other options, so that I could think more upon the different types of proxemic interactions and their different uses in each scenario. Ultimately, sketches 1 and 2 informed my design process the most out of all the other sketches.

Storyboards

Once I decided upon the application scenario, I started to storyboard the proxemic interactions that I wanted to include. Each interaction was made with the idea of letting the user seem more open to social interaction if they were willing and not busy, while also helping people who might be too shy to interact with strangers normally.

Final Product Description & Demo

The final product is meant to be a kiosk near the beginning of a convention. I feel like my application fit the objective I set out well, and that each interaction I implemented does the job of facilitating social interaction. Upon reflection of what I would change, I wish I had spent more time on making the tracking of each "interest bubble" be more consistent. I would have also liked to add more animations to things such as the interests popping in or turning white, as right now the transition is very obvious. Other than those, I am proud with the final version of this product.

How to run:
Navigate to https://tagimacruz581solo.glitch.me/ on a device with a camera.
The ARUCO codes that work with this program are 5, 7, and 10, printed with the size 11.2 cm. They must be oriented upwards and towards the camera in order for the program to detect them correctly.
Source code: https://glitch.com/~tagimacruz581solo