Knob
Leave voice notes for friends around the house
A contextual voice-note device that attaches to household objects. When placed near an item (e.g., the fridge, the washing machine), it plays reminders—helping housemates remember chores, tasks, or shopping needs in a non-intrusive way.
We wrote a library for the DF-Robot component used for audio functions. There were several iterations on each part of the product, like the knurling, shape of the knob and the case itself, to perfect the experience.
Course
Tangible User Interfaces
Duration
10 days
January 22 – 31, 2025
Tools
Arduino MKR1010
DFRobot DFR0745
Fusion360 for CAD
Form
The team worked on several lo-fi prototypes to decide on the form factor and the primary interactions for the device using a bunch of readily available materials like foam, cups, cardboard, and paper.

Affordance
We focused on making each interaction as clear as possible. Playing with light & sound in software, experimenting with the form of the knob (knurling, surface), and exploring different materials and colour – all came together as important signifiers to improve affordance.

Good job on the interactions. They convey what's needed.
Don Norman
I can see myself using this at work! Perfect to let people know when equipment room access is restricted.
Sr IXD at Siemens Healthcare
