Project Two - Julian Apong

This is the xTrove - a play on the word "extrovert". It's a portable art and communications device .




(click for detailed explanation)



(click for detailed explanation)

Methodolody:



The xtrove is designed to be fun and easy to use by anyone. The potential of the device is limited only by the imagination of the person using it, and lets them easily express themselves to the people around them. The actual technology behind it is disarmingly simple, as well as inexpensive to produce.

Most users will already by familiar with the concept of a stylus. They're shaped like a pen or pencil, but with a magnetic tip. The familiarity of the shape gives an automatic indication as to which end is to be used on the screen. The buttons and switches are deliberately kept as rounded and minimalized as possible, so that the attention is always brought to the screen and what's drawn on it. The back-lighting further accentuates the importance of the screen, drawing attention to it in any situation.

User Testing:

Samantha:

"It's a pretty cool little toy. I really like the idea of the magnetic etch-a-sketch screen and being able to have any drawings I want on it. It would be nice if I could put photos and stuff on it too though."


Scott:

"I think this could be a lot of fun for younger children, especially if they like to draw. The nice thing about the idea is that it's really simple to construct and create, it would be really easy to create and cheap to buy."



Chris:

"I could use this to pick up girls. When I'm on the TTC sometimes I want to get a girls attention so I could use this to write messages and then flash them with it. It'd also be good for people in clubs and gangs so they could know what group they were a part of, or for kids who wanted to send messages to each other in secret."