P H Y S I C A L    C O M P U T I N G

                        j o u r n a l    o f   a l y s s a   l e e s
                   


W E E K   1

   
L A B

    Key points learned from lab :
     * longer wire of LED is positive, shorter wire is negative(ground)
     * Pot is short for potentiometer or variable resister
     * LED's wired in series become dimmer with each additional LED's that is added

    
R E A D I N G
In the article "Less is More(More or Less: Uncommon Sense in the Design of Computer, " Bill Buxton argues that in a society of expanding dependence on technology, emphasis should be placed on the work of designers, anthropologists, psychologist, anthropologist instead of engineers. The author claims that the rapid growth in technology has resulted in often neglecting the needs of the user. This point is extremely valid. Many have shared the frustration of having to read extensive documentation to learn seemingly simple software, computing systems, etc. A lack of an intuitive user interfaces leads to fear of technology among potential users. Being in a technical field, I have long assumed that a task such as creating a webpage is common knowledge. After taking an informal poll among friends who embrace other prevalent technological advances (PDAs, cell phones, ipods), I was surprised that a large number had little idea of the steps involved in making a website. In fact many were frightened by the idea of having to create one even with a tool such as dreamweaver at their disposal. This example may not be directly applicable and may not be due strictly to user interface, but it is interesting that the same people that readily use itunes and schedule their lives in a PDA, are fearful of dreamweaver/html and using an excel spreadsheet.
The second crucial point presented by the author is less convincing. Buxton argues that computers are too general a tool: a tool used primarily for work should not also be a primary source of entertainment. He cites many examples such as the fact that in biological systems specialized cells are more likely to survive. I find his argument weak. Personal computers have disproved his point and have become so successful because they are "general tools" even if they sacrifice strengths in some areas. A general tool does not have to be limited in capacity. While I disagree with the way the argument is presented by the author, I do agree that there is a vast opportunity to take advantage of the specialize needs of different users. The author also strongly criticizes the lack of change in the standard PC over time. However, the situation is beginning to be rectified since the article was written. Voice based interfaces are emerging, tablet PCs (where you can write instead of type) are on the market; various types of pressure sensitive devices are available, etc. Hopefully, such progress will continue and lead to more user friendly devices. 
      
    
A S S I G N M E N T  ::  S W I T CH

    d e s c r i p t i o n  ::  t h e  p i l l o w  s w i t c h
The pillow switch is simply a switch embedded inside a pillow. When pressure is applied to the pillow, the switch is triggered and a signal is sent to a central box in a room. The signal tells the box to turn off appliances inside a room. 

    m o t i v a t i o n  ::
I am consistently falling asleep while the lights, stereo, etc are still on in my room. The pillow switch would automaticaaly turn off all appliances when I fall asleep. 

    p r o t o t y p e  ::
The prototype is a simplified version of the pillow switch. When pressure is applied to a pillow, an LED shuts off. 


    p r o t o t y p e  p i c t u r e s  ::(drawings -- no camera yet) 
			

	         
	     	        prototype setup 	 	           circuit design		       existing switch used



    p i l l o w  s w i t c h  d e s i g n  p i c t u r e  ::