Sliding Flavors

Objects of Interactive Nonsense

Overview

One. Singular. (Jelly)Bean.

That is all you get from this unique interactive experience. So, what's the catch? It's that Bean Boozled® beans will be used! What flavor will you get - a good or a bad one? You won't know until you try it out because the bean is hidden from view in the slide!


So place your hand under the slide and watch the bean whirl down its path! You have nothing to lose!

Class: Interactive Studio 2

Spring 2024, Individual 3-week project

Tools used:

  • Laser cutters

  • Vinyl cutter

Programs used:

  • Fusion 360

  • Arduino IDE

  • Adobe Illustrator

Amanda's had a long day. She walks by and sees this fun looking contraption and decides to try it out. Her face radiates with joy when she discovers that it gives her a JELLYBEAN!

Ideation

My main focus during ideation was interactive experiences that doubled as a mini-game that would entice people to keep playing, whether it be through methods of randomization or trying to win at something.

Chosen Concept: Bean Boozled Slide

I went forward with idea number 26 from my ideations, but instead of having a spinner that picks your bean color and dispenses the bean, I wanted to take a more unexpected interaction approach.


I chose this idea because there is something appealing about receiving just one bean. And because I wanted to continue the aspect of randomization , which is apparent in not knowing what flavor bean you will receive.

Breadboard model

First, the bare bones breadboard model was made. I also modeled a chute to test the singular bean dispensing mechanism.


At this phase, I was testing a solenoid with a linear motion that would push the bean down the chute's path.

Cardboard model 1 - Tried to fit a plumbing pipe in the slots, but it wasn't flexible enough.

Cardboard model 2 - Did some tests with a different pipe to test bean rollability.

3D modeled a contraption that would house the servo motor and only allow one bean to drop

Placed all the pieces I had together, including electronics housing at the bottom.

Final wooden box - tested rollability with a new motor attachment and sturdy structure

Laser cut bendable wood to place over the top of the box

Adding vinyl decals

Laser cut wood pieces that would provide more structure to the product as a whole

Structure holding the pipe slide in place underneath the chute.

Prototyping process

Hover above the numbers to see the parts' functionality!

Components used

3

4

2

1

5

  1. Anker Battery Pack

  1. ToF Distance Sensor

  1. Mini Breadboard

  1. Arduino Metro Mini

  1. Servo Motor

The details

Vinyl icon acts as a signifier

Slogan vinyl cut on the side

If Bean Boozled beans were to be used, the good and bad beans would be randomized and a mystery

So how does it work?

1. Fill container with beans

2. Place hand over sensor

3. Receive bean!

Let's connect!