Project

Create an IoT concept and pitch video for a distributed computing network of city-wide infrastructure scale and scope.

Challenges

• Identifying the concepts for Internet of Things that are suitable for city-wide infrastructure projects

• Determining the potential uses for distributed computing devices when installed in areas without connectivity

• Exploring the utilization of Unity 3D gaming/software development platform for creating prototypes of physical devices and services.

Role

As the sole contributor, I brainstormed ideas, created sketches, developed an experience map, built a digital prototype using the Unity development platform, and produced and edited a pitch video using self-created content.

Process

I brainstormed, ideated, and sketched ideas to determine the features to design into the theoretical system. One significant feature I envisioned was installing intelligent lighting units in an area that lacked networking and having them communicate with each other to create a slow network connection. With WiFi mesh networking, each unit could talk with multiple units in either direction, enabling the network to continue through the outage of multiple devices.

Some potential ideas enabled by this concept include having units call for maintenance when a part needs replacement, detecting motion to assess whether vehicles on the roadway need help, or deploying computer-controlled drones to check on vehicles or call for help.

To further develop the concept, I created storyboards of possible user flows for the product experience. Later in the project, I created an in-depth experience map, prototypes, and a pitch video talking showcasing product’s features.

For the pitch video, I used the Unity development platform to provide footage, recorded a voice-over, and created a logo and audio stinger. As a personal learning experience, I used this project to explore virtual reality and learn more about the Unity game engine. I set up scenes using Unity's built-in tools to illustrate the various features and added a voice-over describing the potential benefits of the system. After completing the project, I added animation and interactions and even explored the project in VR using an HTC Vive headset. The possibilities for prototyping reality using virtual and augmented reality are exciting!

Learnings & Future

• Unity as a Content Production Tool: While I used Unity as a learning opportunity for this project, I realized that it took more time than I had anticipated to produce the desired output. If this were a paid project, I would likely use sketching or Photoshop to create concept images.

• DON’T Come Back to Reality: As someone with technical knowledge, I tend to limit my brainstorming by focusing on what's feasible. To avoid this, I remind myself to think beyond reality and explore even seemingly impossible ideas. While some ideas may not be feasible, there are often useful insights to be gained that can be applied in different ways.

Outcome

The project resulted in an experience map illustrating a typical interaction scenario and a pitch video showcasing some of the features. The following features were included in the scenarios:

• Added solar LED lighting along a previously dark route.

• Tracking passing cars to give warnings if a car is stopped or an animal has crossed the road.

• Automatic lighting control to reduce light pollution and its effects on animals.

• Motion detection and car tracking to keep the lights on when people are working on their car or pulled to the side of the road.

• An automatic drone system that could ask if help is needed and alert towing services or the police.

The experience map specifies the types of sensors used in different parts of the scenario, the types of data and databases accessed and written to enable these interactions, and the outputs of the various components.