Laser Harp 2002 Introduction: Purpose and Scope Electronic musical toy, not an instrument Uses laser beams instead of strings Teaching capability

Laser Harp 2002 Laser Harp: Users Children: ages 6-14 English speaking No previous musical background required

Laser Harp 2002 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

Laser Harp 2002 Applied HCI Principles(1) Conceptual Model Affordances Natural Mapping

Laser Harp 2002 Applied HCI Principles(2) Visibility State Feedback

Laser Harp 2002 Laser Harp: Design Stages Storyboard Flash prototype Alpha prototype Beta prototype

Laser Harp 2002 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

Laser Harp 2002 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 2 nd phidget, PCBs, dual labelling Laser Harp: Evolution of Interface  WhamBam

Laser Harp 2002 Laser Harp: Conclusions User testing: early and often User-centered iterative design process HCI principles: good guidelines

Laser Harp 2002 Laser Harp: The Team