Phase 03: Hardware Prototyping
Hardware System
Initial Prototype
The initial prototype is basically following traditional forms of a piggy bank to give a clear idea that we are trying to make a modern version piggy bank as a personal financial assistant.
Initial form/function:
- Similar display to pixel arts on the form using LED lights shows the connection and the saving goal/financial status.
- The form of pig mouth has an internal speaker placed. It makes sounds and allows voice interactions.
While opening the possibilities to have different or more abstract forms, we asked people around the form. Most people liked the idea of keeping the traditional piggy bank form, while others also agreed on an abstract but simple form with a hint of a piggy bank.
Function Research
When I ask people around about the initial form, people wanted to hear more about the functions that the initial prototype can have. Therefore, I prepared laser-cut pieces of a traditional piggy bank form to give some physical senses to people and also prepared three colors of post-it notes categorized by major aspects we would like to explore on the piggy bank. I asked a few questions to people to gather some ideas on the physical form and functions.
From this simple research, many participants mentioned positive feedback about sound and lights. However, they did not want the piggy bank to have some screens. Some of them also said that they would appreciate a simple and classic form more.
Form Interaction
Based on the feedback, I explored interactions and scenarios around the major functions we would like to have on the traditional piggy bank form.
- The piggy bank stays on your desk, updating your financial information based on your daily activities recorded on your phone/ mobile app.
- When you get home, the piggy bank detects your presence through sound sensing or Bluetooth connecting with your phone and lights up.
- You can voice interact or touch the piggy bank to hear your overall financial status with compliments and daily financial information you need to know regarding student loans.
- You can voice interact or touch the piggy bank to transfer your daily savings from the checking account to the saving account. The piggy bank can also ask about rounding up the amount you saved before putting them into the saving account.
Form Exploration
Because many people suggested exploring different forms other than the traditional piggy bank, we used white modeling clay to build different forms by creating animals or various abstract forms.
Form Modeling
With the clay models we created and the team discussion we had after making models together, I selected forms that can have all the functions we discussed and represent simple and classic. I sketched the front views of the models to show the basic idea.
