Process

When we first got into our group, we started to brainstorm what kinds of ambient devices we wanted to make and what information we would like to explore. We floated the idea around to make a desk toy, a bracelet, a headband, and even something to put on one’s wall. However, we quickly decided that it would be most fun to create a wearable piece of technology. Furthermore, we decided to go with a headband that displayed some personal information.

After we decided on what product we wanted to make, we had to figure out what information we would gather. We discussed using one’s heart rate, one’s amount of messages they’ve received on social media, the music one is listening to, and even how long they have been on Facebook for. Since we were all fans of music, we all agreed to explore how we could represent the song a user is listening to in conjunction with headphones.

So we started to research what information we were able to get from Spotify, and how we could gather said information. We then split up our work, with half of us working on the Spotify Code and the other half figuring out what materials we would need to build a prototype.

In looking for supplies, we discovered that muli-colored LEDs would be the most versatile option. So we wired that up and housed them in pingpong balls attached to some sort of rod. Our original intention was to make the antenna of our device move around, but we had trouble with finding the right materials to make that happen.

We then wired up a second LED, attached it to a plastic rod, and made our first prototype, as seen below. Then we taped those onto a pair of over-the-ear headphones which can be seen in our video.

STORY BOARD