Laser Harp: Features

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IntroductionPurpose and Scope

• Electronic musical toy, not an instrument
• Uses laser beams instead of strings
• Teaching capability

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Laser Harp Users

• Children ages 6-14
• English speaking
• No previous musical background required

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Features and Benefits

• Free play mode
• More fun for kids
• Easier to pluck than string
• Learn mode
• Good introduction to music
• Fun and interactive verbal communication
• Provides ability to learn through observation and
  repetition

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Applied HCI Principles(1)

• Conceptual Model
• Affordances
• Natural Mapping

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Applied HCI Principles(2)

• Visibility
• State
• Feedback

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Laser Harp Design Stages

• Storyboard
• Flash prototype
• Alpha prototype
• Beta prototype

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Laser Harp Evolution of Interface ?

• Green LEDs
• Add a volume button
• Label the learning mode button Learn Song
  Jingle Bells
• Put the name of the toy on the system
• Change to a more pleasant message when you miss a
  note
• Increase the space between the strings

MusicBlox
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Laser Harp Evolution of Interface ?

• Use an ON/OFF toggle button to accommodate
  automatic power off
• Draw lines to show separation between notes
• Edit the sound files to improve looping
• 2nd phidget, PCBs, dual labelling

WhamBam
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Laser Harp Conclusions

• User testing early and often
• User-centered iterative design process
• HCI principles good guidelines

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Laser Harp The Team