Designing for Handsfree Interaction

 

https://www.brookings.edu/research/the-military-policing-and-covid-19/

COVID-19 has changed the way we interact in society. We all have to do our part to reduce the spread of this disease. The impact has been felt world wide, and changes are being made in the way we live, work, and play. As a designer, methods of interaction are an important consideration. Especially when it comes to public spaces... Fortunately, "hands-free" is good for accessibility as well. 

As a creative technologist intern, I was tasked with designing and prototyping a sensor that would be hands free and accessible. There were also a few other requirements regarding network topology and interaction/ communication across a LAN (Local Area Network). From a form factor perspective, I gravitated towards developing a pressure sensitive plate or foot-switch that could be stepped on or rolled across with a wheel chair. This meant that the sensor would have to have a low profile, sensitive enough for a small child to activate, and rugged enough to withstand up to 350 lbs. Capacitive touch seemed like a possible solution at first, but ultimately a simple switch plate ended up working best. 

The sensor itself is quite simple and rugged, but the Microcontroller is less so. Initially, I wanted to integrate the Microcontroller into the body of the sensor. With nearly a 1" height requirement, I chose to separate the Microcontroller from the sensor. I decided on using 1/4" audio jacks and cables to connect between them. An advantage to this method is the low cost readily available parts, and the ease and expediency of replacing a damaged foot-switch sensor over the 5 year expected life span of the installation. As with all good ideas, it needed to hold up to prototyping and testing. This meant researching conductive materials, non-conductive materials, and acquiring them. Cost is always a factor, so I chose inexpensive materials whenever possible. Most of the materials came from either Adafruit.com or amazon.com. The materials that worked best and are most crucial to my design are the wet suit like neoprene, and the self adhesive conductive foil (copper).

Copper Foil Tape with Conductive Adhesive - 6mm x 5 meters long

PRODUCT ID: 3483

https://www.adafruit.com/product/3483

Lazy Dog Warehouse Neoprene Sponge Foam Rubber Sheet Rolls 15in x 60in (1/8in Thick) 

$14.80