Interaction design for In-Situ assistance in physical computing prototyping

Abstract

While previous research suggested physical computing tools for simplifying the complexity of involved tasks (software, hardware) or for providing functionalities of showing inner states of a live circuit for experts, there is no tool for assisting a various range of users in the corresponding continuous prototyping iteration situation. The complex problems makers face result from a variety of goals, different areas or levels of expertise, and various steps of prototyping processes. Therefore, to close the gap between the idea and prototype, it is required to assist makers in the situation of physical computing prototyping.In this dissertation, we present novel systems and interaction design guidelines for in situ assistance in physical computing, that enable users of various knowledge levels to prototype ideas. According to the prototyping process, we interview makers’ difficulties in an exploring, prototyping, and testing/debugging point of view in the formative studies. Each system we propose in this dissertation solve the issues derived from the formative study

1) two augmented breadboards let users explore circuit design by providing virtual components which are easily changeable of type and value and are physically reflected in a live circuit, and allow users to implement and inspect physical circuits with directly depicted locations and connections and 2) a conversational system for test-driven physical computing that assists in the prototyping context. Eventually, through the empirical evaluation studies of these systems, we elicit interaction design guidelines of in situ assistance, which enable various levels of users in the overall prototyping process to accomplish prototyping goals.