This week, we focused on researching and choosing parts in order to begin assembly and testing. Additionally, we have worked on creating block diagrams and presentation for the upcoming design review.
The most significant risk at this stage is receiving our ordered parts much later than expected next week. This will set us back in terms of testing, however, if this happens, we can switch gears and work ahead on making CAD models of the electronic housing and construction of the dance mat as a whole while we wait for parts to arrive. We can also begin to construct the code for the microcontrollers based on the specs found online for the microcontrollers we chose.
No changes have been made to our current design. We are currently working to figure out what type of speaker to use but want to consult Professor Sullivan for his advice before moving forward with a decision.
Ethics Considerations:
Part A) Our product solution is designed to meet the need for greater home security. As our solution involves two-factor authentication as well as more key combinations than a traditional keypad, our product will be more secure than current on-the-market options, meaning that homeowners will feel that they are safer. Another need our product solution considers is public health. The BeatLock dance mat engages users physiologically through the implementation of dancing as well as psychologically by adding an upbeat change of pace to the user’s day.
Part B) Social factors were considered during the conceptualization of our product solution. One of the main purposes of using a dance mat as our method of input is to make unlocking a door more fun and engaging. The same idea could be implemented using a touch screen, but that would be less fun. An important consideration is that our idea of “fun and engaging” comes from our perspectives as American college students, and there are many people of different ages and backgrounds that would not enjoy having to dance in order to unlock their door. For this reason, we have decided to design our doormat with our target audience being young adults like us who would enjoy this product.
Part C) For economic factors, affordability for a device like this is a must. Fortunately, we are currently at a very reasonable price with our focus on designing everything we can from scratch and the absence of unnecessary bloat in tech. The most expensive part of this project we originally thought would be the force sensors. Currently, we are testing sensors that are rated for extreme accuracy enabling precise weight measurements, all for $20. With the cost of the rest of the electronics so far being minimal, the budget will rely entirely on the materials used and how the mat itself is manufactured, which should not be too difficult to keep down in price in a complicated way. Furthermore, with the device relying on common Bluetooth systems, the ability to work with any possible open-source locks should be possible, furthering the economic accessibility of the device.
Part A was written by Jada Fink, part B was written by Zoe Rudnick, and part C was written by Brooke Rodriguez.