Sniff

For this prototype I want to go back to two vibration motors. It was considered to not be necessary when building the prototype for the exhibition. It is not necessary for the photo shoot either, I know that, but after writing the article I realize that detailed tactile feedback contributes a lot to the experience of holding Sniff when he sniffs a tag. I also think it is helpful to work with two different qualities of vibration when developing expressional feedback like emotions and behaviours. I have not tried the Lilypad Vibe Boards before, and it looks really nice with no moving parts that can cause problems in the layout. But after mouning one on the inside of the neck of Sniff (where the vibration could be activated when he ’speaks’) I must say it’s not working well for this application. The vibration is far too weak, I have to hold the button pretty close to my skin to feel anything. And in Sniffs’ case the neck is padded with foam.

So I decide to use a motor from a mobile phone, like I’ve done ealier. I decide to cut off a bit of the cover as well, to use as a socket so that the motor can be taped directly to the neopren neck.