Open Questions and Next Steps

One of the major unresolved issues with this iteration was how can the toaster be more random in finding a “satisfied” temperature. For the presented prototype, the temperature base was set based on reading taken from the setting in that moment. Ideally, the toaster will be able to sense this on its own based on the context.

Another comment that came up during the demo was integrating the temperature sensor more seamlessly into the toaster. One idea that was brought up was what if the user was able to “hug” the toaster by placing both hands around it? Moving forwards, it would be interesting to explore what it means to heat up something with a hug. Could the toaster have a variety of emotions that different gestures could solve? What are human emotions associated with a hug that a toaster could feel?

Some smaller comments regarded the aesthetics of how you physically signal that the toaster will not work (better than a taped on servo with a popsicle stick), as well as the “shivering” animation being smoother.