Module 1 Activity Research
Weekly Activity
Minh Vo
Project 1
Module 1
I was introduced to physical computing by exploring sensors, microcontrollers, and digital prototyping through weekly activities and a final prototype. I also learned guerilla prototyping methods and chose between an Art or Design path to develop an interactive experience that integrates physical data and experiential design.
Activity 1
Activity 2
Activity 3
Research Activity
WGSN Consumer Trend Research
From the WGSN research, I chose Forging Connection and Autonomous Indoor Gardens. Forging Connection stood out because it addresses loneliness and the need for simple, inclusive ways for seniors to communicate. Autonomous Indoor Gardens caught my interest as it explores sustainability and self-sufficiency, helping people feel more independent and resilient at home.
Forging Connection
Technologies designed to reduce social isolation by simplifying communication tools and building digital or in-person communities for seniors.
What makes this category unique is that it directly addresses one of the most human challenges of ageing: loneliness. Unlike many tech categories that focus on efficiency or entertainment, Forging Connection is about designing tools that remove barriers to communication and make it effortless for seniors to maintain meaningful relationships. The report highlights how one in four older adults experience social isolation, which makes this focus especially urgent. An example illustrated this trend is Dossy's tablet (Australia).
⭐️ Key statistic: One in four older adults globally experiences social isolation (WHO). In APAC, loneliness rates are particularly high: 40% in India, 36.6% in China, and *9.7% of South Korean elders live alone.
⭐️ Why it matters for my choice: These numbers highlight how widespread and urgent the problem of loneliness is among seniors. It influenced your choice because this category directly tackles a real, measurable human need — reducing isolation through accessible communication tools and community-building.
Autonomous Indoor Gardens
Self-sustaining AI-managed ecosystems that grow plants with minimal intervention, promoting nutrition and ecological independence.
This category stands out because it combines sustainability, food security, and wellbeing into a single home system. What makes it unique is the idea of a self-sustaining, AI-managed ecosystem that can grow food with minimal human effort, while also bringing nature into domestic spaces. The report positions this as more than just convenience — it is about resilience, independence, and reducing reliance on external resources. An example illustrated this trend is Gardyn’s (US) Hydroponic Indoor Tower.
⭐️ Key statistic: In the US, households spent an average of $616 on gardening in 2022, an increase of $74 from 2021, with younger households (18–44) driving most of the growth.
⭐️ Why it matters for my choice: This rising investment shows a growing cultural and generational interest in gardening and self-sufficiency. It supports the choice of this category because it proves consumers are already shifting toward sustainability and resource independence, making autonomous indoor gardens a timely and relevant direction for innovation.
WGSN Personas Research
I selected The Energisers and The New Independents because they align with my chosen trends. The Energisers value joy, play, and social connectedness, which connects directly to Forging Connection and the need to reduce loneliness. The New Independents focus on self-sufficiency and transparency, which matches the goals of Autonomous Indoor Gardens. I found these personas meaningful because they highlight both the emotional and practical sides of how people want to live in the future.
The Energisers
Energisers seek joy, play, and social connectedness to counter stress and loneliness. They value creativity, curiosity, and community, seeing play as a fundamental way to support wellbeing across all ages.
• Largest generational impact: Alphas, Gen Z, Millennials, Gen X, and Boomers.
• This persona spans all age groups, showing that the pursuit of joy, play, and social connection is not limited to youth but resonates universally across generations.
• Behaviours: They see play as important for learning and staying connected.
• Buying Priorities: They want fun and joyful products that bring people together.
• Actions: They use play and joy on purpose to improve wellbeing and community.
The New Independents
New Independents prioritise self-sufficiency, resilience, and transparency in a world of distrust. They value independence and accountability, seeking solutions that give them control, peace of mind, and long-term sustainability.
• Largest generational impact: Gen Z, Millennials, and Gen X.
• This persona is strongest among younger to mid-life generations, who are navigating misinformation, distrust in institutions, and a growing desire for resilience and independence.
• Behaviours: They don’t trust big systems and believe in taking care of themselves.
• Buying Priorities: They look for honest, sustainable, and high-quality products.
• Actions: They demand transparency and want brands to prove they are trustworthy.
HMI Research
I identified problem spaces for both trends and turned them into How Might We statements. For Forging Connection, the focus was on reducing digital barriers and making communication easier for seniors. For Autonomous Indoor Gardens, the focus was on food independence and building trust in autonomous systems.
The Energisers
Two Problem Spaces
• Many older adults feel disconnected and lonely because existing communication tools are too complex or intimidating.
• Seniors struggle with small icons, confusing navigation, and unfamiliar tech symbols, which prevents them from easily connecting with family and communities.
Two HMI/HMW Statements
• How might we design communication tools that feel simple and joyful, so older adults can connect with loved ones without fear or confusion?
• How might we reduce digital barriers so seniors can interact with communication tools more naturally and confidently?
The New Independents
Two Problem Spaces
• People worry about food security and over-reliance on fragile supply chains, especially in times of crisis or climate change.
• Consumers want to see exactly how resources like water, light, and nutrients are managed in smart systems, but many products lack clear, accessible feedback.
Two HMI/HMW Statements
• How might we build indoor garden systems that give households more independence from fragile food supply chains while being easy to maintain?
• How might we help people trust autonomous gardens by making resource use easier to understand?
Project Path
I decided to take the Design path for Forging Connection because it requires user testing to make communication tools truly accessible. For Autonomous Indoor Gardens, I chose the Art path since it encourages curiosity and exploration with sensing technologies. I also chose to work collaboratively for both categories, as teamwork brings diverse skills and perspectives that make the projects stronger.
Forging Connection
I would work collaboratively on Forging Connection because designing for loneliness and accessibility needs different perspectives. Working with others helps me test ideas and create solutions that feel more inclusive and effective.
One direction could be creating a simple communication tool for seniors that reduces digital barriers and makes connecting with family and communities effortless. Using Protopie for usability testing. This idea comes from the WGSN insight on loneliness in older adults, the Energisers persona’s focus on joy and connection, and the HMW question about helping seniors interact more naturally. I would take the Design path here because testing with seniors is essential to make sure the tool is usable and inclusive. Working collaboratively also makes sense, since accessibility and communication design benefit from multiple perspectives.
I want to design a tactile communication device for seniors that replaces complex screens with simple physical interactions. Using ProtoPie and Arduino, I plan to build a prototype that lets users send or receive messages through buttons, lights, or gentle vibrations.
Autonomous Indoor Gardens
I would also work collaboratively on Autonomous Indoor Gardens since it combines design, sustainability, and technology. A team approach makes sense here because collaboration can bring together skills that make the project stronger and more innovative.
Another direction could be developing an AI-driven indoor garden pod that grows food independently while creating a calming presence in the home. Using Protopie for usability testing. This aligns with the WGSN trend toward sustainability and resilience, the New Independents persona’s need for self-sufficiency, and the HMW question about building trust in autonomous systems. I would follow the Art path here because this area is still experimental, and curiosity can guide the exploration of sensors, light, and recycling systems. Working collaboratively would allow the project to combine design, tech, and sustainability skills to create something more robust and innovative.
I want to create an interactive plant system that turns real environmental data into sensory feedback. With TouchDesigner and Arduino, I will connect sensors that measure light, moisture, and temperature to generate visuals or sounds that reflect the plant’s state.
Forging Connection
Technologies designed to reduce social isolation by simplifying communication tools and building digital or in-person communities for seniors. What makes this category unique is that it directly addresses one of the most human challenges of ageing: loneliness. Unlike many tech categories that focus on efficiency or entertainment, Forging Connection is about designing tools that remove barriers to communication and make it effortless for seniors to maintain meaningful relationships. The report highlights how one in four older adults experience social isolation, which makes this focus especially urgent. An example illustrated this trend is Dossy's tablet (Australia). ⭐️ Key statistic: One in four older adults globally experiences social isolation (WHO). In APAC, loneliness rates are particularly high: 40% in India, 36.6% in China, and *9.7% of South Korean elders live alone. ⭐️ Why it matters for my choice: These numbers highlight how widespread and urgent the problem of loneliness is among seniors. It influenced your choice because this category directly tackles a real, measurable human need — reducing isolation through accessible communication tools and community-building.
Autonomous Indoor Gardens
Self-sustaining AI-managed ecosystems that grow plants with minimal intervention, promoting nutrition and ecological independence. This category stands out because it combines sustainability, food security, and wellbeing into a single home system. What makes it unique is the idea of a self-sustaining, AI-managed ecosystem that can grow food with minimal human effort, while also bringing nature into domestic spaces. The report positions this as more than just convenience — it is about resilience, independence, and reducing reliance on external resources. An example illustrated this trend is Gardyn’s (US) Hydroponic Indoor Tower. ⭐️ Key statistic: In the US, households spent an average of $616 on gardening in 2022, an increase of $74 from 2021, with younger households (18–44) driving most of the growth. ⭐️ Why it matters for my choice: This rising investment shows a growing cultural and generational interest in gardening and self-sufficiency. It supports the choice of this category because it proves consumers are already shifting toward sustainability and resource independence, making autonomous indoor gardens a timely and relevant direction for innovation.
The Energisers
Energisers seek joy, play, and social connectedness to counter stress and loneliness. They value creativity, curiosity, and community, seeing play as a fundamental way to support wellbeing across all ages. • Largest generational impact: Alphas, Gen Z, Millennials, Gen X, and Boomers. • This persona spans all age groups, showing that the pursuit of joy, play, and social connection is not limited to youth but resonates universally across generations. • Behaviours: They see play as important for learning and staying connected. • Buying Priorities: They want fun and joyful products that bring people together. • Actions: They use play and joy on purpose to improve wellbeing and community.
The New Independents
New Independents prioritise self-sufficiency, resilience, and transparency in a world of distrust. They value independence and accountability, seeking solutions that give them control, peace of mind, and long-term sustainability. • Largest generational impact: Gen Z, Millennials, and Gen X. • This persona is strongest among younger to mid-life generations, who are navigating misinformation, distrust in institutions, and a growing desire for resilience and independence. • Behaviours: They don’t trust big systems and believe in taking care of themselves. • Buying Priorities: They look for honest, sustainable, and high-quality products. • Actions: They demand transparency and want brands to prove they are trustworthy.
The Energisers
Two Problem Spaces
• Many older adults feel disconnected and lonely because existing communication tools are too complex or intimidating. • Seniors struggle with small icons, confusing navigation, and unfamiliar tech symbols, which prevents them from easily connecting with family and communities.
Two HMI/HMW Statements
• How might we design communication tools that feel simple and joyful, so older adults can connect with loved ones without fear or confusion? • How might we reduce digital barriers so seniors can interact with communication tools more naturally and confidently?
The New Independents
Two Problem Spaces
• People worry about food security and over-reliance on fragile supply chains, especially in times of crisis or climate change. • Consumers want to see exactly how resources like water, light, and nutrients are managed in smart systems, but many products lack clear, accessible feedback.
Two HMI/HMW Statements
• How might we build indoor garden systems that give households more independence from fragile food supply chains while being easy to maintain? • How might we help people trust autonomous gardens by making resource use easier to understand?
Forging Connection
I would work collaboratively on Forging Connection because designing for loneliness and accessibility needs different perspectives. Working with others helps me test ideas and create solutions that feel more inclusive and effective. One direction could be creating a simple communication tool for seniors that reduces digital barriers and makes connecting with family and communities effortless. Using Protopie for usability testing. This idea comes from the WGSN insight on loneliness in older adults, the Energisers persona’s focus on joy and connection, and the HMW question about helping seniors interact more naturally. I would take the Design path here because testing with seniors is essential to make sure the tool is usable and inclusive. Working collaboratively also makes sense, since accessibility and communication design benefit from multiple perspectives. I want to design a tactile communication device for seniors that replaces complex screens with simple physical interactions. Using ProtoPie and Arduino, I plan to build a prototype that lets users send or receive messages through buttons, lights, or gentle vibrations.
Autonomous Indoor Gardens
I would also work collaboratively on Autonomous Indoor Gardens since it combines design, sustainability, and technology. A team approach makes sense here because collaboration can bring together skills that make the project stronger and more innovative. Another direction could be developing an AI-driven indoor garden pod that grows food independently while creating a calming presence in the home. Using Protopie for usability testing. This aligns with the WGSN trend toward sustainability and resilience, the New Independents persona’s need for self-sufficiency, and the HMW question about building trust in autonomous systems. I would follow the Art path here because this area is still experimental, and curiosity can guide the exploration of sensors, light, and recycling systems. Working collaboratively would allow the project to combine design, tech, and sustainability skills to create something more robust and innovative. I want to create an interactive plant system that turns real environmental data into sensory feedback. With TouchDesigner and Arduino, I will connect sensors that measure light, moisture, and temperature to generate visuals or sounds that reflect the plant’s state.
Project 1 Concept
Project 1 Concept
Concept: An Intelligent Social Companion for Seniors
Goal:
The device aims to support seniors with limited mobility by combining daily assistance, communication, and entertainment into one accessible, voice- and touch-driven device. Its purpose is to reduce loneliness, promote independence, and help seniors reconnect with their local or online community in fun and meaningful ways.
The device is a personal assistant and social connection hub explicitly designed for seniors who may have trouble moving around or using smartphones. The device features a soft, circular tabletop design with large illuminated touch areas and built-in voice control. Using Arduino for sensors and feedback, and ProtoPie to prototype the interface, The device helps seniors manage tasks and socialize easily through natural voice and light interactions.
• Daily assistance: Seniors can use simple voice commands to set medication reminders, check the weather, or play their favourite music. The device responds with soft light cues and friendly voice feedback, ensuring clarity even for users with hearing or vision challenges.
• Community connection: The device connects to an online platform that shows who in their community is currently available to chat — whether it’s a neighbour, a family member, or another senior user. The user can say “Find someone to talk to,” and The device will suggest or connect them instantly.
• Social and entertainment features: The device can read short news updates, tell jokes, or play memory and trivia games, bringing a sense of fun and routine interaction to the user’s day.
• Accessibility: Large tactile buttons, glowing LED rings, and gentle vibrations help users with reduced dexterity or vision identify functions and receive feedback effortlessly.
The device is designed to feel friendly and alive, using warmth, voice, and subtle animation to create companionship rather than just function.
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