Kindred
CIIDConnected Objects- Tangible User Interface
Group: Martin Altanie | Norris Hung
Faculty: Olivia Prior | Omid Ettehadi | Nikolaj Møbius | Vanessa Carpenter
Role: Concept Development | Research | Visual Design | Physical Prototyping
Kindred is a portable device that locals or tourists can use to go on adventures and stumble upon unconventional, hidden gems. It has real suggestions of places from real people – thus forming a deeper appreciation for the city and it’s residents.
CONCEPTKindred is inspired by way in which many Costa Rican’s give directions due to the lack of street addresses. A very normal set of instructions might sound like, “Go 200 meters to the north, take a left at the restaurant that used to be called Soda Los Laureles, then 50 meters west. It’s a grey house with a metal fence…” Often, community landmarks are used as navigational way-finding points. While much is left to be desired by these forms of directions, they offer more of a cultural connection with the place. And, like it or not, unclear directions mean that people adopt a more “pura vida” spirit when trying to get to their destination.
HOW IT WORKSLocals can switch to share mode and scroll through the ‘radio channels’ to find a free spot. They can then record a short clip about their favorite place in the city with directions on how to get there. On the explore mode, the tourist can tune into the local’s channel and follow their story to the hidden destination, if they choose to do so. They can even leave a message of gratitude for the local who will receive it on the same channel.
CONSTRUCTIONThis prototype was built with an Arduino Nano 33 IoT, GPS module, NeoPixel ring, servo motor, rotary encoder, and three switches.
The case was constructed with kerf-bent particle board and laser-cut acrylic.
