Michelle B. Xu
Oplay-Playful Media Design for Intergenerational Families
E-Textile Fabrication | Human-Computer Interaction(HCI)|PCB Design
OPLAY uses e-textiles, flexible PCB and weaving technologies to explore more accessible tangible interfaces for the elderly and children--eliminating the invisible age discrimination of high-tech products, and create more interesting intergenerational relationships and multi-sensory experiences.
March -May 2023
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Arduino IDE
- E-Textile(Conductive thread/yarn)
- Logic Pro
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Circuit Design
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Fabrication(Weaving)
- IoT-Based Wireless Communication
- ACM Designing Interactive Systems Conference (DIS)2023-Soft Robotics and Programmable Materials for Human-Computer Interaction Workshop,Pittsburg 2023
- New York Public Library Assistive Technology Conference 2023.
- New York Public Library Assistive Technology Faire 2023.
- ITP Spring Show 2023,New York
- NYU Entrepreneurial Institute Startup Accelerator Bootcamp
- Coney Island Maker Faire 2023,New York
- Scalable HCI Symposium,ShenZhen,China,Jan 2025(Accepted)
Project Introduction
In East Asian countries, intergenerational families are a prevalent social phenomenon, where grandparents assume the role of primary caregivers. This results in a disconnect between traditional and emerging technologies. Many tech companies neglect to design for older adults, which leads to implicit ageism and exacerbates seniors' unfamiliarity and fear of technology. This, in turn, creates educational inequalities and intergenerational conflicts for grandchildren raised by grandparents who lack access to emerging technologies.
To tackle this issue, I created OPLAY, a series of electronic textile interfaces that connects interactive media. By doing so, I aim to reduce seniors' fear of technology and promote the enjoyment and learning of interactive technology for both ageing people and children. OPLAY employs traditional loom technology to weave flexible PBC and e-textile into fabric circuits. These circuits leverage human bioelectricity to establish secure, wearable, and closed circuits that facilitate various interactive experiences. I recognize that colourful and soft textiles create a multisensory experience for children and are friendly materials for East Asian seniors.
Design
Prototype
First attempt at playing Oplay
User Test in Starlite Adult Health Day Care Center, El Monte, CA 91733
Presentation Video
Thesis Presentation 2023