Lab+Assignment+Seven

**Write four paragraphs to define the term 'physical computing'. (4 paragraphs)**

Physical computing, in the broadest sense, means building a physical system by using a combination of different technologies (in this case the use of software and hardware) for the users to interact better with the real world. Examples of this system include automotive traffic control systems or interface design on iPod/iPhone. Physical computing is a creative framework connecting the human needs with the digital world. Another example of physical computing is the design in consumer games such as the Dance Revolution. It uses visible feedback and voice recognition to excite users’ senses that the computer is generating physical stimulus for the users to interact better with digital technologies. Physical computing uses different technological systems to allow the users to have more tangible experiences with their devices. With physical computing, users are able to perform and experience the physical functionality of a particular device because it has made it possible that these devices interact with users to perform tasks more efficiently. For example, physical computing practices in product design use hand-built embedded systems and interface designs to build new digital products in a more efficient way. Prototyping plays an important role in physical computing. Interface design based on users’ sense of touch and feel has made it possible for users to communicate with the devices and perform specific tasks more tangibly and receive feedbacks more speedily after use.


 * Write tw****o paragraphs each describing their prototyping methods, and describing what they are enabled to do. (4 paragraphs)**

D. Tools are an example of reflective physical prototyping in regards to physical computing technology. Designing a device involves three main stages: design, analyze, and test. Once a physical product is complete, designers then have to evaluate how successfully it could be able to interact with its users. In the given example, the designers attempt to create an intuitive GPS device, using D tools, that is able to respond directly to the users’ movements according to their specific requests of functionalities. D tools enable the designers to efficiently design physical products following more tangible, structured procedures.
 * Exemplar is another example of physical computing in which involves the use of demonstration tools such as sensors connected to computer screen. This method of prototyping allows the designers to review and edit visual representation of a device’s physical interaction and to test its behaviors by performing the action again. **
 * In the video, the designer wants to create a smart bicycle helmet with direction blinkers by using physical computing tool. Exemplar as an authoring sensor-based demonstration tool then allows the designer to set the threshold for users’ movements and detect any errors occurred in the process. **