I am now starting my final project of the year, for my Interaction Design Masters program! I am going to attempt to have regular updates here, of my progress on the project. I have had 5 projects this first year, and this final one is only 1 of 2 that were individual. I am on my own this time, to plan and carry out a design project. eek!

My design idea is framed like this…

While reflecting on input devices available for laptops, the available options are limiting and usually not intended for laptops. The mouse, for example, was intended for desktop situations and then adapted to use for a laptop. The trackpad does seem to be only intended for laptops, but is that our only option nowadays?

My initial idea is to create a virtual trackpad that overlays the entire keyboard of a laptop. Through various mechanisms, you choose to type or to control the cursor. The cursor would move as you gently glide your finger over the keys.

I’m currently investigating the necessary technology to make this happen: infrared distance sensors, arduino micro-controller, and the HID interface so it acts as a USB input device.

This week starts the beginning of our new theme in class: Mass Media and Interactive Media. Since we just started, I don’t know too much about it yet. We began reading “Convergence Culture” and started researching mass-media and interactive-media examples. We present on those examples tomorrow.

The terms (semesters) at school are split into “themes.” I am just starting my 3rd theme now. I will expand on the first 2 themes soon.

A comment was made to include more comments on what Scandinavia thinks of our new President. Great idea Mike! I will be including those comments in a compiled post soon.

Spent this morning with my classmates, converting our studio from our exhibit space, back to a functioning classroom. Now we package up the exhibits and get them over to the Form/Design Center in the center of downtown Malmo, off of one of the prettier small squares (Lilla Torg). We will be presenting the same exhibit there for a couple months, starting at the end of November.

Spent the rest of the afternoon surfing the web researching our current theme, working on my Swedish class homework, and then going to Swedish class. Then back home to eat and work on my homework, oh sweet homework.

Just getting home after staying over at Ola and Tove’s house. I had a wonderful dinner with them, class sweden with meatballs and potatos. So yummy! After dinner we talked and listened to music. Hello Saferide is a Swedish band, but sing in english. When they sing in swedish, they are called Sakert. They are playing this saturday the KB club in Malmo, but not sure if I will go yet. I introduced Ola/Tove to Sixteen Horsepower last night! That band disbanded, but now became Woven Hand, which is also playing KB next week! Very exciting!

I’m so tired still from the late night of watching the election… but I am back to the city soon, and going to school to clean up our studio room after the exhibit we had there. Then I have to do my Swedish homework and get ready for Swedish class at 4pm. Then home to sleep…hopefully…