Baduino
INTRO
In the spring semester of 2022, at University of Oslo, myself and 3 other students worked together in the course ‘IN1060 - User-oriented design” to create the high-fidelity-prototype “Baduino”.
The project we were tasked with was open-ended, with the only requirement being that it had to be based around an Arduino Uno microcontroller. We were free to choose the target group and, in collaboration with them, develop a high-fidelity prototype tailored to their needs. In 2022, two years after Norway went into lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic, social restrictions had changed how people interacted. Closed restaurants, gyms, and offices led many to seek new ways to maintain social connections. In Oslo, a group of friends started a cold-water swimming club, which quickly became an important social space, both during and after the pandemic.
We chose this club as our target group because they engaged in an activity that required very little equipment—just themselves, a towel, and warm clothes. This presented an exciting challenge for us: How could we enhance their cold-water swimming experience?
PROJECT GOAL
By focusing on this specific and relatively small group, we could design a solution tailored to their unique needs. The main objective was to gain a deeper understanding of user involvement in the design process. Our goal was to explore how planning, method selection, and approach would impact the outcome, applying both practical and theoretical knowledge to become better designers.
Through several rounds of qualitative research, one issue stood out: the cold. Together with the users, we identified that what would enhance their experience was something to help with the cold after swimming. The result was a portable warming box, allowing swimmers to heat their clothes and stay warm after getting out of the water.
Data gathering
Interview, participation and observation
Our interview process was structured in two parts. We began with an informal, open conversation to build rapport with the participants before moving into the main interview. The interview itself was semi-structured, allowing flexibility to deviate from the plan if new, relevant topics arose or participants answered multiple questions at once.
We developed the questions collaboratively within our design team, focusing on creating precise but non-time-consuming queries to keep the interview relaxed and informal. Our aim was to create a natural atmosphere where participants wouldn’t feel burdened by the process.
To further encourage participation, we conducted interviews in familiar environments where the participants felt at ease, such as their regular meeting spots. This approach not only reduced the barrier to participation but also fostered a positive experience that could encourage more members of the swim club to get involved, potentially through snowball recruitment.
Key findings
A recurring challenge was staying warm after the swim, especially during colder months. This discomfort highlighted the need for a solution that could improve warmth post-swim.
Cold
Participants were driven by personal challenges, mental resilience, and the adrenaline rush they experienced from cold-water swimming. This motivation was central to why they continued swimming year-round.
Motivation
The social component was a key finding. The sense of togetherness and group interaction played a significant role in the overall swimming experience.
Social
Narrowing it down
We noticed a strong link between motivation and the social aspect of cold-water swimming. It became clear that the social element was closely tied to the activity itself. We presented several ideas to the group, including games using Arduino, a leaderboard for different tasks, and collaborative activities. However, since individual goals within the group varied greatly in terms of difficulty, they felt these ideas might be more divisive than helpful.
On the other hand, the challenge of staying warm was a recurring topic. Despite their experience, cold temperatures remained a significant obstacle for the members. This sparked our interest in exploring solutions related to warmth, especially after some members jokingly suggested, “Maybe you could create something to keep us warm.”
DRAWING
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PROTOTYPING
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SKETCHING
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GLUEING
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FAILING
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SUCCEED
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TAPING
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SOILDERING
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CODING
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MEASURING
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DRAWING • PROTOTYPING • SKETCHING • GLUEING • FAILING • SUCCEED • TAPING • SOILDERING • CODING • MEASURING •
Final prototype
The main goal of the final prototype was to address the users’ key challenge: cold temperatures after swimming. To meet this, we designed a portable heating box that could warm up quickly and be simple to use. Here’s a breakdown of the final design and the key components we used.
Components used
Final circuit
Heating Mechanism and Power Source
The biggest technical challenge was generating sufficient heat within a short time, as the users had requested the box reach full warmth within 10 minutes. We incorporated a heating element into the design, which required more power than the Arduino could provide on its own. While most components ran smoothly on 5V from the Arduino, the heating pad required a stronger power source. To manage this, we used a relay, an electrical switch that allowed us to separately control the heating element and the Arduino, ensuring they communicated effectively while maintaining independent power sources.
During testing, we used a 9V battery, which was cost-effective and easy to replace. However, while functional, it couldn’t bring the heating pad to its maximum temperature, only reaching 28.1°C. Testing with a 12V battery significantly improved performance, but since this was a prototype, we stuck with the 9V solution for simplicity.
User Interface
The user interface was designed to be minimalistic, focusing on ease of use, especially considering that users would interact with the box in cold conditions, possibly while wearing gloves. We included a button as the primary interface, which provided haptic feedback. This made it intuitive and easy to operate.
Additionally, we incorporated a screen that displayed the current temperature along with relevant feedback, allowing users to track the heating progress. To make the interface even more user-friendly, we added a traffic light-style LED system (green, yellow, and red lights), providing clear visual feedback on the heating status. This combination of feedback ensured that users could easily understand and control the heating process without needing complex instructions.
Design and Form Factor
In collaboration with the users, we decided on a barrel-shaped design for the heating box. This design not only met the users’ aesthetic preferences but also allowed us to create a dedicated compartment inside the barrel to store and protect the technical components, such as the Arduino and excess wiring. This separation ensured that users didn’t have to interact with any of the electronics directly, minimizing potential errors and making the device more reliable.
conclustion
The final prototype successfully addressed the core user needs: quick and efficient heating in a (somewhat) portable, easy-to-use device. The minimalist interface, combined with clear feedback systems and effective temperature control, met the design criteria set by both the users and the project team. While the 9V battery limited the heating element’s maximum potential, it provided enough power to meet basic functional needs, making it a practical solution for this prototype stage.
