Hello again!

Introduction :

This project involves a bench which enables two strangers to get interacting by syncing on a musical beat while sitting.

Motivation for the project :

We live in a world where even though we are technologically well connected, but somewhere along the line, we have lost interest in striking conversations with fellow humans : without phones and laptops. Sometimes even if we want to talk to a stranger sitting next to us, we are constantly looking for an initiation from the other end that can get us talking. I have always wanted to do my bit in this regard. I plan to do this project with my batchmate (AmalKrishna PS) hoping to get people out of their comfort zones and get talking in a fun way!

Project Details :

Concept 1 : The layout would involve an L-shaped bench which allows people to sit near one another but not near enough to make them feel awkward. There would be two sockets provided for placing the mobiles on both seats. When one person sits and places his mobile in the socket, a musical note starts playing, but remains incomplete till another person sits on the second seat and places his mobile as well in the socket. The result is a syncing of the two audios, creating a shared happy feeling through music. We use mobile phone being in the socket as the trigger for musical event, since it nudges people to leave mobile phones for a while and enjoy in the moment with a stranger partner.

Concept 2 : Using the same L-shaped layout, two people are able to jam by moving their lower halfs while sitting. We use pressure sensors to detect human presence and to start playing the tune.

Concept sketches :

Who will use it?

It's mainly meant for two strangers and could be placed anywhere : parks; college campuses; open spaces.

Components required :

- Arduino UNO (might require more than 1)

- Pressure sensors

- Connector wires

- Speakers

- MDF

- Wood / metal etc.(for mechanical bench)

Skills required :

- CAD modelling of furniture

- Fabrication Skills

- Arduino Programming

Challenges foreseen :

- Arduino programming for audio experience

- Impact and effectiveness of concept is to be validated on actual users after prototyping

- Completing the project in the timeframe of 10 weeks

Timeline :

Week 1 : Materials Purchase

Week 2 : Arduino Programming

Minor Test : Project Development

Week 3 : Testing of Arduino Circuit

Week 4 : CAD modelling

Minor Test : Project Development

Week 5 : 3D printing of miniature prototype

Week 6 : Application of laser cutting, CNC

Week 7 : Application of Laser cutting, CNC

Week 8 : Application of laser cutting, CNC/ Assembling the parts together

Week 9 : Assembling the parts together

Week 10 : Validation and testing of prototype

That's all for now :)

Thank You!