Ching-Sheng Chiang

Sputnik 1 is an innovative dance assistance system designed to enhance mobility, social interaction, and well-being among elderly individuals. By combining advanced technology with a nostalgic 1960s-1970s aesthetic, this product provides a user-friendly and engaging way for seniors to stay active. It includes AR glasses, a projector, and intuitive controls, making it accessible and appealing to its target audience. Sputnik 1 promotes an independent lifestyle while offering a familiar and enjoyable exercise experience tailored to the needs of older adults.

User Scenario
An elderly user, living independently at home, sets up the Sputnik 1 system for their daily exercise. After easily assembling the device with the included tripod, they choose a pair of AR glasses and select a dance routine. The system projects a dynamic, interactive dance floor in their living room, guiding them through the steps while they dance with a virtual partners.

Transport and Setup: The user carries the Sputnik 1 device using its convenient handle. Upon reaching the desired location, they place it onto a tripod stand, securing it in place.
Activation: The user then pulls down a cover or flap, revealing the projector and control interface.
Customisation: The user selects and attaches their preferred AR glasses frames, ensuring a comfortable fit.
Usage: The system is activated, projecting the dance area and providing guidance. The user follows along, engaging in the interactive dance routine, guided by both the AR glasses and the projector.

The design of Sputnik 1 is deeply inspired by the futuristic aesthetic of the 1960s-1970s, a period marked by the space race and a fascination with technological advancement. The product incorporates elements reminiscent of spacecraft and cutting-edge technology from that era, such as sleek, geometric shapes, metallic finishes, and bold, vibrant colors. The design also reflects the minimalist, functional approach of the time, with a focus on creating a user-friendly interface that evokes nostalgia while integrating modern functionality for elderly users.

Initial Concept Development
It was identified that the initial image board mixed elements from the 1980s to 1990s, which could diminish its appeal to elderly users. This mix of styles might create a disconnect when introducing new technology to this demographic. To address this, it was recommended to focus research on products specifically from the 1960s to 1970s. This focused approach is crucial to ensuring the design resonates better with the target age group, making the technology more attractive and user-friendly for them.

Mood Board
The mood board for Sputnik 1 captures the essence of the 1960s-1970s, a period defined by its fascination with space exploration and futuristic design. The images include references to iconic sci-fi films like *2001: A Space Odyssey* and *Alien*, alongside vintage technology such as retro televisions and radios. The emphasis is on bold, geometric shapes and metallic finishes, creating a nostalgic yet forward-looking aesthetic. This visual inspiration informed the design of Sputnik 1, ensuring it resonates with elderly users through a familiar and evocative style.

Final Version of Design Concept
The final design concept for Sputnik 1 is a carefully refined fusion of 1960s-1970s retro aesthetics with contemporary technology, specifically crafted for elderly users. Following feedback, the design was adjusted to focus exclusively on this era, eliminating influences from later decades. The final product features simple, geometric shapes, bold colours, and a minimalist design inspired by the space race. It includes customisable AR glasses, a user-friendly interface, and intuitive controls, ensuring the technology is both familiar and accessible, evoking nostalgia while enhancing usability.

The prototyping phase of the Sputnik 1 project involved creating both scaled-down and full-scale models to refine design and functionality. Initially, a 1:5 scale model was developed using materials like styrofoam to test the general appearance and structure. This small-scale prototype helped in identifying design improvements before progressing to a full 1:1 scale prototype.

Using a 40cm styrofoam piece to create the primary prototype, and applying paper tape to mark the cutting line, offers two advantages. Firstly, the sketch line can be easily adjusted for precision. Secondly, the tape protects the edges of the styrofoam, ensuring cleaner cuts and preserving the integrity of the material. Additionally, experimenting with different proportions for product composition makes it easier to position the paper tape accurately, helping to ensure the correct alignment and placement of the cutting lines.

Primary Product
The primary product, Sputnik 1, received generally positive feedback during testing, particularly for its design and user experience. However, several areas were identified for improvement. The original dance area was found to be too small, limiting the range of movement, and the dance step guidance was too fast for some elderly users to follow comfortably. After enlarging the dance space and adjusting the speed of the guidance, users reported a more comfortable and enjoyable experience. Additionally, the AR glasses were well-received, especially the customizable frame options, but further adjustments were needed to improve their stability during use. Overall, the product was deemed functional and effective, with minor refinements required to enhance user satisfaction.

AR Glasses
During the comfort test for the AR glasses, it was observed that the frames fit well across a variety of face shapes, ensuring a good level of comfort for all participants. Furthermore, the concept of interchangeable frames received strong support, as participants enjoyed the ability to personalise their glasses according to their preferred style. This feature not only enhanced their comfort but also increased their enthusiasm and happiness while using the glasses during dance activities, making the experience more enjoyable and engaging.

Sputnik 1

Operation Process

Product Design Inspiration