For my final project, I have decided to push forward with O.K.9, the alternative option for pet therapy.

THE PLAN

USER INTERACTION GUIDE

1. Distance Sensor reads proximity. When user is in a certain range, the dog’s tongue comes out for a lick. This is made possible by the servo motor.
2. When you pet the dog on the back, the force/touch sensor will pick up the range of the force. Depending on what is mapped to that range, an on-screen interaction with the dog will happen.
3. When you scratch the dog’s “spot” on his/her belly, the tail will wag. This is controlled by a force/touch sensor mapped to a range. The tail will wag via a servo motor.
4. When the user hugs the dog, the dog will react on the screen interface, depending on the range mapped to the flex sensor.

BILL OF MATERIALS

TIMELINE

QUESTIONS

I know that this is an ambitious project, so I am sure that not all of the interactions will get accomplished during this first iteration of the idea. Here are some questions that I have for users during play testing:

1. What are the most important interactions that I have projected to accomplish? Which one(s) make you as a user feel better in the process?
2. Which interactions (perhaps not on this agenda) with a dog or pet make you feel better?
3. What material would you prefer to see the physical interface made of – plush, felted wooling, fabric, other?
4. What on-screen visuals would make you feel better, when interacting with the stuffed physical interface – live action video, sounds, other types of visuals?
5. What are the best sensors for the petting and belly scratch? Force or touch?