Case for Wearable Device
Improving the usability of a wearable used for research in affective computing
Context
During my summer internship at the Instituto de Telecomunicações, I contributed to a research conducted by my colleague and PhD finalist Patrícia Bota project focused on measuring multimodal physiological signals to study group emotions during movie sessions (affective computing). To enhance user-friendliness and compactness, the project used the RIOT board. However, a case was needed to ensure comfort and convenience for participants during experiments.
Solution
To address this, I designed a smartwatch-like case for the miniaturized hardware. The case featured a textile strap for quick attachment, allowing participants to wear the device comfortably. Additionally, I incorporated user-friendly features such as easy ON/OFF functionality and a swappable battery system to facilitate researchers' needs.
Roadmap:
Accurately measuring and documenting the dimensions of the RIOT board, battery, and Electrodermal Activity (EDA) sensor to ensure precise design specifications.
Utilizing CAD software for designing the 3D model and conducting iterative cycles of 3D printing. Regular group meetings were held to evaluate the functionality and practicality of the current design.
Compiling a comprehensive instructions manual that provided clear guidance for both the assembly process and future 3D prints. The manual aimed to facilitate efficient and accurate replication of the wearable device case, enabling other researchers to adopt and utilize the technology effectively.
Here are some nice pictures of the 3D model in Blender and the device being worn while a research subject performs a computer task.
Test subject watching a comedy movie while the smart watch performs EDA and PPG acquisitions.
