NADIA'S ART SUPPLY ORGANIZER

Key Concepts

Human-Centered Design Process
The human-centered design process puts users at the center of product development. For Nadia's art supply organizer, we need to understand that her specific limb difference requires unique considerations:

1. Empathy: Understanding Nadia's physical capabilities, art workflow, and frustrations
2. Define: Creating a clear problem statement based on Nadia's needs
3. Ideate: Generating multiple potential solutions
4. Prototype: Building testable versions of our concepts
5. Test: Evaluating our solutions with the client

Smart Servo Control Concepts
The Smart Servo can be programmed to:

• Move to precise positions (0-180 degrees)
• Respond to different input methods (buttons, switches)
• Provide visual feedback through the NeoPixel LED
• Hold position under load (important for our organizer)
• Use different movement patterns (direct movement or sweeping)

Mechanical Design Considerations
For Nadia's art supply organizer, we need to consider:

• Weight distribution and balance
• Stability during rotation
• Accessibility of compartments
• Ease of replacing supplies
• Overall ergonomics and workspace integration

Activity: "Design Requirements Workshop"

1. Problem Statement Development:
   • Teams refine their problem statements using the HCD Tool 1.2 format
   • Share and critique problem statements as a class
   • Finalize a problem statement that clearly articulates Nadia's needs
2. Design Criteria & Constraints:
   • Using HCD Tool 2.1, teams develop criteria and constraints for their design
   • Consider technical limitations (servo torque, programming capabilities)
   • Consider user requirements (size, accessibility, ease of use)
   • Create a weighted decision matrix (HCD Tool 3.2) for evaluating design ideas
3. Initial Sketching:
   • Teams create initial sketches of potential designs
   • Include annotations for mechanical and electronic components
   • Prepare to receive feedback from peers

Activity: "Design, Build, Code"

1. Prototype Development:
   • Teams create low-fidelity prototypes using cardboard and craft materials
   • Integrate the Smart Servo to test basic functionality
   • Document design decisions and technical specifications
2. CAD Modeling:
   • Students develop 3D models of organizer components using OnShape
   • Design custom mounting brackets for the Smart Servo
   • Prepare files for 3D printing
3. Programming Logic Development:
   • Develop code that allows for intuitive control of the organizer
   • Implement visual feedback with the NeoPixel LED
   • Consider adding advanced features like auto-return or position memory

# Art Supply Organizer Control System
import time
import board
import pwmio
import servo
import neopixel
from digitalio import DigitalInOut, Direction, Pull

# Set up servo
pwm = pwmio.PWMOut(board.A2, duty_cycle=2 ** 15, frequency=50)
my_servo = servo.Servo(pwm)

# Set up buttons
next_button = DigitalInOut(board.D2)
next_button.direction = Direction.INPUT
next_button.pull = Pull.UP

home_button = DigitalInOut(board.D3)
home_button.direction = Direction.INPUT
home_button.pull = Pull.UP

# Set up NeoPixel
pixel = neopixel.NeoPixel(board.NEOPIXEL, 1, brightness=0.3)

# Define art supply positions
positions = [0, 36, 72, 108, 144, 180]  # 6 supplies positioned evenly
supply_names = ["Pencils", "Markers", "Brushes", "Paints", "Erasers", "Paper"]
colors = [(255, 0, 0), (0, 255, 0), (0, 0, 255), (255, 255, 0), (0, 255, 255), (255, 0, 255)]

current_pos = 0
last_used_positions = []  # Track recently used positions

# Initial position and color
my_servo.angle = positions[current_pos]
pixel[0] = colors[current_pos]

def move_to_position(pos_index):
    global current_pos
    current_pos = pos_index
    pixel[0] = colors[current_pos]  # Set color based on position
    my_servo.angle = positions[current_pos]  # Move servo
    print(f"Moving to {supply_names[current_pos]}")  # Debug output
    
    # Add to recently used (limit to last 3)
    if pos_index in last_used_positions:
        last_used_positions.remove(pos_index)
    last_used_positions.insert(0, pos_index)
    if len(last_used_positions) > 3:
        last_used_positions.pop()

while True:
    # Next position button pressed
    if not next_button.value:
        # Move to next position
        next_pos = (current_pos + 1) % len(positions)
        move_to_position(next_pos)
        
        # Button debounce
        while not next_button.value:
            pass
        time.sleep(0.2)
    
    # Home button pressed
    if not home_button.value:
        # Double-click detection for cycling through recent positions
        start_time = time.monotonic()
        time.sleep(0.05)  # Debounce
        
        # Wait to see if there's a second press
        second_press = False
        while time.monotonic() - start_time < 0.5:
            if not home_button.value and home_button.value:  # Detected release
                second_press = True
                break
            time.sleep(0.01)
            
        # If double-click, cycle through recent positions
        if second_press and last_used_positions:
            next_recent = last_used_positions[0]
            move_to_position(next_recent)
        else:
            # Single press - return to home position
            move_to_position(0)
            
        # Button debounce
        while not home_button.value:
            pass
        time.sleep(0.2)

4. Assembly and Integration:
   • Fabricate and assemble organizer components
   • Integrate Smart Servo and control circuits
   • Test mechanical stability and electrical connections

Activity: "User Testing and Reflection"

1. User Testing Simulation:
   • Teams prepare for user testing by creating testing protocols
   • Conduct simulated user testing with peers (one arm immobilized)
   • Document observations and feedback
2. Design Review:
   • Teams present their solutions to the class
   • Conduct structured peer feedback sessions
   • Teams document strengths and areas for improvement
3. Reflection and Documentation:
   • Students complete design journals documenting their process
   • Create a final presentation showcasing their solution
   • Reflect on how their solution addresses Nadia's specific needs

Assessment Criteria

The final assessment evaluates both the product (art supply organizer) and the process (human-centered design approach). Students should demonstrate technical competence with the Smart Servo, thoughtful consideration of user needs, and ability to document and communicate their design process.

Assessment Rubric