Interactive Automata
Team: Trini Rogando, Adam Golomb, Merve Ondogan
Timeline: 4 weeks
Skills: Rapid prototyping (foam core, paper, dowels), simple machines, creative design
Approach: Our team decided to make an animated, physically-interactive scene depicting the Titanic in icy waters. The viewer can see the scene play out through spinning just one crank. We added multiple uniquely moving parts such as bobbing icebergs and a spinning lighthouse.
We followed a scaffolded approach to building this project: first, we studied a single simple mechanism to understand the mechanics underlying automata movement, then progressed to a full-scale prototype with multiple mechanisms included. Finally, we rebuilt and refined our final version.
Mechanism Case Study
I began through studying the fundamental mechanics and function of simple mechanisms with sketches, then our team built a small initial prototype.
Conceptual Ideation and First Prototype
Once we understood what mechanisms and movements were possible, we began to ideate through different scenes and potential figures to add to our automata!
Then, over a 5 day period, we created our first prototype, with simple decorations and a functional crank.
Improvements and Iteration
We refined our design to create a fuller scene. To my team, I proposed three different backboard/iceberg combinations that provided a larger illusion of layered depth with our materials, and we moved forward with one! We also worked on sturdier, more finalized materials.
Three options for adding depth to the scene - we chose option 2 (multiple icebergs, and a starry backboard).
Larger dimensions, modified distance between mechanisms on the dowel.
The new, finalized lighthouse design, with a shaker mechanism in the middle.
Final Build and Project
In-Progress Draft
Over the course of another 5 days, we completely rebuilt our revised automata and presented it! It was successfully exhibited in the Stanford d.school atrium for a week, where other students, faculty, and visitors could interact with it.
Final Product
What We Learned
The value of sketching for visual collaboration
Quick sketches helped us communicate concepts quicker than building full prototypes.
Start small, then work up to the full project
Learning about individual automata movement, then building a prototype, then starting from scratch to build our final project meant we learned about in-depth mechanical movement.
Having fun helps creativity!
Being open to all ideas — whether in the creative design or mechanical suggestions—and providing options in a teamwork setting allowed us to work together and brainstorm goals!