20/06/2016
This week is focused on self-directed group work as the tutors aren't in.
We have been given a live brief with local company Kitronik to create a product utilising e-textiles that promotes wellbeing. After splitting into groups, we spent a bit of time mind mapping potential ideas before finally settling on a wristband/bracelet that reminds Diabetics to do blood tests every few hours.
This is to hopefully aid in minimising the risks of complications that arise from poor blood glucose control such as diabetic retinopathy, nerve damage and issues with blood pressure to name a few. The idea behind the design is to use the fastening of the bracelet to complete the circuit, meaning that the user can wake up, put their bracelet on and it will automatically begin the timer to go off a few hours later (around lunch time) then again at dinner time and before bed. The user then takes off the bracelet to sleep and the process begins again the next morning. The beauty of this is that it is tailored to the wearer. So if the user works night shifts, they can put the bracelet on throughout the night or if they are travelling unusual hours. they can just keep it on for as long as is needed.
We began looking through the catalogue this morning at the separate components. We quickly worked out that a battery, switch, buzzer and the igloo board provided by Kitronik is as complicated as we need to make it. We also discussed the option of incorporating an LED that could act as a reminder 5 minutes after the initial vibration.
This afternoon, we went to visit Kevin Spurr at Kitronik. Kitronik currently supply 3,500 schools with ready made kits and individual components to explore systems and controls. This has included becoming a partner in the BBC Micro:bit scheme which encourages kids to get into programming and computing. Each year 7 child this year was given an Igloo board to keep and use.
We were given a brief introduction to the programme Pickaxe for Blockly. This was initially quite confusing as I have never done anything even remotely like this.
The above image is an infographic taken from the Kitronik website showing the igloo board and its various functions.
21/06/2016
Today was essentially a planning day. We made a simple to do list including tasks like prototyping, technical drawings and user profile that need to be completed this by the end of next week. We also came up with our list of components as these need to be ordered asap.
22/06/2016