Drum Table

An experimental approach to explore interaction in a shared space

August 2019

What are Cultural Probes?

Cultural Probes offer a more holistic spectrum to conduct user research.

This technique inspires creativity and design from the participants using the data about their values, thoughts and lives.

Process overview

1. Data Gathering
2. Data Analysis
3. Design

Data Gathering

Method: Cultural Probes

The cultural probe kit: spatial description cards, photography prompt, shared space map, engagement log and a comment or contribute spinning wheel, distributed to 5 student flats in Weimar for a week

Data Analysis

Method: Mind Mapping

In the first iteration, we organised the data from each flat separately and made 5 clusters. Photographs from all the shared flats were grouped separately.

First iteration of the mind map, with data from each flat clustered separately

In the second iteration we re-attached the photographs next to the data that felt relevant. We also eliminated data which was misinterpreted by the participants.

Here we saw multiple themes emerging across all 5 flats, which we then scribbled over the data.

Second iteration of the mind map, with photographs attached next to related data

In the final iteration we rearranged all the data and formed clusters on the themes that emerged from the second iteration. This time, the patterns visible in the second iteration were more prominent.

Final iteration of the mind map, with all data rearranged into themed clusters

Findings

Free communication disrupts harmony in the household
A pretence or excuse is required for interaction and shared activities
Non-hierarchical relationship structure between household residents

Design

Method: Prototyping with Microcontrollers

We prototyped a drum table that replaces the dining table in the common area.

We wanted to force the shared flat occupants to make music every day.

Two people tapping the brass plates at opposite ends of the drum table

This drum table works when all the flat members use it simultaneously.
Every beat gives them energy points and running electricity.
When the drums aren’t played, the occupants lose their internet and electricity.

The drum table with three brass plates at each end and a speaker in the middle

Annotated drum table: a refinished wooden table with 6 brass plates, wires soldered beneath each plate through drilled holes, connected to the flat's main power supply

The Arduino and Raspberry Pi units taped beneath the table

The first unit: MPR121 capacitive touch sensor and an Arduino Uno (nicknamed the DrumArduino)
The second unit: RobotDyn single channel AC dimmer controller and an Arduino Uno (nicknamed the LightArduino)
The third unit: Raspberry Pi for the sound, data tracking and communication between the two Arduinos

Three instruction posters titled people, sound and energy explaining how to play the drum table

The cultural probe cards, prompts and spinning wheel laid out on a black table