Milo
Brief: Develop a set of connected devices around the theme of remote experiences using the M5StickCPlus.
Play and games are considered some of the best ways to connect with people in our lives, even when we can’t be together physically. Milo, inspired by the classic game Simon, is a 1v1 colour memorisation game designed to facilitate long-distance play without the need for digital devices such as smartphones. By utilising an API system, Milo enables long-distance gameplay, encouraging users to incorporate play into their daily lives and feel closer to their loved ones, no matter the distance.
Design Journey
The first aspect of "period." developed was its circular form, reflecting how women intuitively visualise the menstrual cycle.
An accordion fan design was chosen for modularity in tracking irregular cycles.
After testing prototypes, the final design features a 35-day calendar with 70 folds, where days 21-35 fold away using magnets to accommodate cycle variations.
Both hanging and desktop options were explored. Initially, only hanging was considered, but offering both improved user flexibility.
Prototyping led to a semicircular handle, ensuring stability when leaning and allowing the product to hang flat when closed.
The current prototype uses a Raspberry Pi 3+ with a Servo motor, Neopixel, microphone, and speaker. A custom PCB will be needed for production.
Coded in Python, the Raspberry Pi responds to menstruation-related queries via voice. Users activate it with “Luna” and ask questions like “When is my next period?” The device identifies cycle days, adjusting the Neopixel light and servo accordingly.
Cycle data updates daily for synchronization. Currently a proof of concept, the product requires an advanced AI system for full functionality.
Menstruation affects half of the world's population, yet there is a noticeable lack of products addressing this topic in the market. Apart from tracking applications, women have very few options for effectively monitoring and understanding their menstrual cycles. Furthermore, there is a scarcity of engaging devices designed to assist women in navigating their periods and gaining insights into their bodies throughout their cycles.
The following results obtained from research conducted on 50 women during Autumn 2023, indicate the need for the development of devices that enable better menstruation tracking and understanding. The results also suggest that users would trust artificial intelligence and voice assistants to assist them in tracking and understanding their cycles.
The manufacturing of "period." was divided into two parts: the making of the base and the making of the metallic fan. Birch plywood was used for the base due to its lightness and sustainability, ideal for mass production. The wood was cut and sanded into a circle, and drills were used to create cavities for electronic components and other details such as ventilation holes and cable channels. The brand and an indicator arrow were engraved on the wood, and the edges were sanded to ensure stability when placed on a desk. Finally, the wood was painted, and the electronics were placed inside, with additional components such as the hanger attached with screws.
For the handle, 0.8mm Aeroply was used for its flexibility. The aeroply was cut into three strips and laminated together with wood glue to achieve the required bend. After painting, the handle was attached to the main base using screws and washers, allowing it to slide in and out.
The accordion fan was constructed using 0.8mm copper and 0.5mm brass for their foldability and durability. The cycle days were engraved on the edge of the metal using a metal engraver, and the metal was then folded by hand. Magnets and a dowel were attached using epoxy, allowing the fan to rotate and enabling the folding and removal of extra days.
In exploring ways to sustain contact in long-distance relationships, we found that one of the most effective methods is to engage in shared activities. While the rapid evolution of digital games has greatly facilitated long-distance interaction, our project, Milo, takes a different approach. Our aim was to design a non-digital game that supports long-distance play through physical interactions, eliminating the need for a screen.
Inspired by the memory game Simon, we initiated the development of a multiplayer colour memory game. Our goal was to preserve the core appeal of a colour pattern memory game, yet adapt it for head-to-head competitive play between two individuals. To complement this, we conceived Milo to be a compact, handheld device, offering portability and a user experience akin to that of a smartphone, to tap into the familiarity and ease of use that modern users appreciate.
For Milo's development, we required an ESP32 board with internet connectivity. This feature is crucial as it allows the game's progress to be stored online, enabling long-distance gameplay. We chose the M5StickC Plus for our board, which was programmed using the Arduino IDE.
The board connects to a NeoPixel ring that indicates the colour patterns and four buttons, each representing a different colour. Additionally, we incorporated the M5Stick's built-in button, enabling players to initiate their turn when ready. The device's screen displays scores, and post-testing, we decided to use the built-in buzzer to signal the end of a player's turn and to announce wins or losses.
-
Player 1 (White) initiates the first round by selecting three colours.
-
A blue light indicates it's your turn. Press the side button when you're ready to play.
-
The light displays the latest colour pattern, which you must memorise.
-
Input the sequence by pressing the colour-coded buttons.
-
If you input the correct sequence, the light will flash green, and you'll add a new colour to the sequence to send to the other player.
-
If you input an incorrect sequence, the light will flash red, the other player scores a point, and they begin a new round by selecting three new colours.
Milo's construction involves laser-cut wood and glass to abandon the plastic and bright colours of typical games, which often project a childish aesthetic. Instead, we opted for a more sophisticated design featuring wood and pastel colors to convey a sense of playfulness without appearing juvenile. Large wooden caps enhance the buttons for comfortable use and a more integrated design. Furthermore, a sandblasted glass form, created through glassblowing, sits atop the design to obscure the NeoPixel and act as a diffuser for the light.
