Process

The process of rebuilding the Lover’s Cups centered on improving functionality while maintaining a simple yet emotionally engaging design. Each iteration focused on refining sensor integration, connectivity, and usability to stay true to the original goal of fostering connection.

The first step was identifying core functions: temperature sensing, motion detection, and communication. In the initial iteration, we integrated temperature sensors to trigger LED color changes, mapping temperature ranges to symbolic colors—red for warm liquids and blue for cool. This created a powerful emotional feedback mechanism. However, calibration proved challenging, as environmental factors occasionally disrupted accuracy.

Next, we replaced traditional motion sensors with photoresistors to detect light changes. This simplified the design and enabled intuitive interactions, such as recognizing when the cup was covered by lips. Fine-tuning the photoresistor's sensitivity was essential to ensure consistent and noise-free detection.

In the final stage, we refined the connectivity system by removing RF modules and laying the groundwork for future Particle IoT integration. Implementing the Particle.publish and subscribe functions was challenging, as communication between devices initially faced technical hurdles. To overcome this, we placed both devices under a single account to ensure seamless communication.

Throughout the process, we prioritized balancing simplicity and functionality. Each iteration enhanced sensor mapping, usability, and the emotional depth of interactions. These refinements ensure the Lover’s Cups remain meaningful, with a scalable design ready for future updates and enhanced connectivity.