12 weeks
Kinsey Norton
Madeleine Tran
Literature review
Ideation
User testing
Rapid prototyping
Creating the video
Contributions to the paper
Product photography
Presenting at International HRI conference
Proposal
What exists?
Our Solution
Intentional shape-shifting
Biomimicry focus
Creation of a unique, beautiful interaction
Installed in the Interdisciplinary Design Commons, a student-run makerspace
Attention Restoration Theory
Attention Restoration Theory hypothesizes that nature has the capacity to renew attention after exerting mental energy.
4 Cognitive States
on the way to Restoration
Clearer head, or concentration
Mental fatigue recovery
Soft fascination, or interest
Reflection and restoration
4 Components that Characterize a Restorative Environment
Being Away
Fascination
Extent
Compatibility
Idea-to-Prototype
After testing multiple interactions with a 3 different inputs, we concluded that some users want direct control and some want an indirect interaction.
Storyboard
A. Student notices KBI upon entry
B. Student is stressed while studying
C. Student approaches, KBI starts to flutter
D. Student can further control the speed
Testing & Validation
This preliminary study was designed to explore the interactive experience brought by the KBI. People’s perceived restoration was measured using the Perceived Restorativeness for Activities Scale (PRAS) because the 4 scales assess the same 4 components of the Attention Restoration Theory.
Adjusted scale statements to fit the better fit the tested activity:
Engaging with this installation aligns with my need for a calming and restorative experience.
This activity matches my goals for mental clarity and relaxation.
When engaging with this installation, I anticipate feeling more refreshed and mentally restored.
Explorative User Study
Sample: 19 participants; students at Georgia Tech ages 18-24
Study Protocol
1. Ask students working in the IDC to test the robotic prototype.
2. Briefly explain the purpose of what the robotic prototype.
3. Invite users to interact with the console and explore the interface.
4. Allow users to spend their desired time interacting with the robot.
5. As users test, take note of comments made.
6. After the experience, provide users with a QR code survey to complete.
There was a positive association throughout all the statements to the four scales that the KBI is restorative.
Impact
We employed reflexive thematic analysis (RTA) for analyzing the transcripts we collected in our design evaluation.
Curiosity
“I’d love to hear about how this was designed and engineered.”
“I just want to play with it”.
Fascination
“I could watch this all day.”
“The crankshaft catches my eye before the wing”
“It keeps catching my eye”
Restoration
“This is so fun”
Focusing on something else is “refreshing”
This was a pilot, explorative study designed to further our understanding of how architectural robotic installations may bring restorative sentiment to people.
Our results align with the research question, suggesting that a robotic structure emulating natural forms can provide a calming and rejuvenating experience in a busy college environment.
Special Thanks to
The HIVE Community, our gracious sponsor and permanent home to the KBI
Brandon Royal, Mechanical Expert at the HIVE
Dr. Yixiao Wang, our research advisor and professor
