Process

The journey began with a detailed analysis of Lovebox mechanics. We then sketched out our prototype, iterated on design, and implemented the chosen features. We went through a few different ideas on how to incorporate the main parts, if we’d be able to figure out the screen, what the size of the box would be, and how we’d create the box. But overall our initial ideas were what we followed through on.

Experimentation involved moments of success, such as achieving the spinning heart effect, as well as challenges, such as fine-tuning the mechanism for optimal performance. It was tough at first to get the screen to work and we needed some support with figuring out the right code for it. We also were unsure of which motor would be the best to use. We chose to use a DC motor but eventually were told other options would likely have been better because they’d have provided a more options when programming.

Initial plans underwent adjustments, particularly in the choice of materials for the spinning heart mechanism, based on real-world testing. At first we weren’t sure how to design the heart or how to attach it, but after a few trials we figured out what we thought would work best for the prototype.