Design Brief
DECO1013: Physical Computing
Semester 2, 2019


Architecture, Design and Planning
DESIGN BRIEF
DECO1013: Physical Computing
Semester 2, 2019 | 6 credit points

This document contains the detailed assessment guidelines for DECO1013 Physical Computing. It is the official
version of the assessment, describing the aims, tasks and deliverables for each assessment item, together with
expected workload, due dates, submission instructions, assessment criteria and accompanying grade descriptors
for standards-based assessment. The document should be read in conjunction with the DECO1013 Unit of Study
outline. Any clarifications to the assessment will be posted on the Canvas site (http://canvas.sydney.edu.au/)
during semester.

1. Design Brief

Is the future of digital interaction limited to experiencing the world through our index finger? Designers and
creative technologists are increasingly bidding farewell to the ubiquitous touchscreen and embracing other
avenues of interaction that make better use of the full capabilities of our bodies. In this subject student’s will
develop a motion-activated device using physical computing techniques and design processes. The device will
be a functional and interactive prototype at a 1:1 scale.

The device will be housed in a fabricated enclosure, this enclosure can be developed in parallel through the
subject DECO1008 3D Fabrication & Modelling. It is however possible to take each unit independently, please
approach the unit coordinator for further advice is this situation applies to you.















Architecture, Design and Planning
2. Assessment Tasks Overview

The subject is divided into four assessment tasks as described in the table below. The four assessment tasks
represent your entire unit of study mark.

Assessment Task Deliverables Weight Due
Assessment
Criteria
Task 1: Concept
Design Proposal
A concept proposal for your
motion-activated device.
20%
Friday 30th Aug
17:00
A, D
Task 2:
Low-Fidelity
Prototype
A low-fidelity motion-activated
prototype based on the BBC
Micro:Bit and at least one other
sensor in the Grove Inventor Kit.
20%
Tuesday 24th Sep
In-class
B,C,D
Task 3:
Interactive motion-
activated prototype
A mid-fidelity prototype of the
design proposed in assignment 2,
in a designed enclosure.
40%
Tuesday 12th Nov
09:00-15:00
B,C
Task 4: Motion-
activated prototype
documentation &
exhibition
A 1-min video that presents your
final prototype, its functionality and
context.
20%
Monday 11th Nov
17:00
A,D

*NOTE: The weight represented here is proportional to the total assessment weight for this unit of study. For
example, a weight of 20% means that this assessment component contributes 20% of the total mark for this unit
of study.

The learning outcomes are listed in the unit of study outline.




3. Assessment Task Descriptions

Task 1: Concept Design Proposal (20%, individual, 16 hours over 4 weeks)

Why You are doing this assessment
This assignment will provide an opportunity for you to receive feedback on your initial concept and to present
a justification for your design based on your initial research.

Page 1 – Research: In this assessment you will present initial research into an opportunity for a design
intervention that will use a bespoke electronic device. Your research must also be synthesised into a problem
statement: a one-sentence description of the need you are addressing, which will drive the development of your
assessment through this semester.
Page 2 – 3 Concept: You will also present an initial concept that addresses this problem that also includes rough
sketches and initial ideas of how your movement-based device will work.

What you need to do:
You are required to submit a concept proposal for a motion-activated device. This will be made up of research
(1 x A4 page) and concept description (2 x A4 pages) including draft sketches and illustrations of the initial
concept. The proposal should include research on existing product designs. The concept description should include
a defined solution to a design problem that has been identified through research. Additionally, the concept
description will include how your proposed device addresses user needs or the types of users that the device
will be used by. This will be summarised in a single problem statement. The assignment will be assessed
according to the following equally weighted criteria:


Architecture, Design and Planning

Task Deliverable
1. Research existing motion-activated designs.
Explore the history of interactive physical
computing devices and investigate their use and
context.
One A4 page of research, including images. APA
referencing must be included in a bibliography.
2. Description of a motion-activated design. This
will include a description of a device based on an
Arduino and the sensors included within the kit for
this class. The design of the device must be
informed by the included research.
Two A4 pages of research, including images. APA
referencing must be included in a bibliography.


Submission: Submit one .PDF to Canvas. It should be named using the unit of study code, assessment number
and your unikey, for example “DECO1013_A1_mbor1234.pdf”.

References: You need to cite any references used in your research, including images. Make use of one specific
referencing style consistently throughout your report and list your references in a correctly formatted
bibliography at the end of your document. We recommend using APA (American Psychological Association)
referencing guidelines. Examples and guidelines can be found on http://www.citethisforme.com/guides/apa or
http://libguides.library.usyd.edu.au/c.php?g=508212&p=3476096

Expected workload: Students are expected to spend approximately 16 hours working on this assignment. This
is calculated by the percentage assessment weighting of the minimum hours of student effort outside of face-
to-face classes. This is only provided as a guide; each individual student may spend more or less time, depending
on their study preferences and learning ability.


Task 2: Low-Fidelity Prototype (20%, individual, 16 hours over 4 weeks)

Why You are doing this assessment
This is the first milestone in the delivery of you design project and an important stage, as you will receive
feedback on the way that your system will operate and the way that your system is being implemented. You
will describe how your device will be used through an interaction model (described in week 7 class) and also
present your device to your tutors in a hands-on session. You do not need to prepare slides.

What you need to do
For assignment 2 you are required to build a low-fidelity motion-activated prototype. This device will be the
basis for your final assignment. This assignment will be presented in tutorial in the form of a short hands on
demonstration. This requires that you demonstrate a working prototype to the tutors who will interact with the
device.

A motion-activated prototype uses changes in pitch, roll, and yaw, which make up the three axes of the
accelerometer contained in the IMU sensor (Inertial Measurement Unit) on the Micro:bit or gesture/range sensor
of the kits we use for this class. Your prototype will use these sensors as an input to control a motion-activated
device. The entire device will be housed in a plastic take-away container.

You are required to develop an interaction model which describes the use and function of their device in its
context. This model will be in the form of a flow chart, this will describe the functionality and the use of the
device. Examples of interaction models will be provided.


Architecture, Design and Planning




Task Deliverable
1. Develop a low-fidelity motion-activated
prototype. Use the concepts developed in
Assessment Task 1: Concept Design Proposal, to
develop a motion-activated design.
Build a low-fidelity motion-activated prototype. The
prototype will use the BBC Micro:bit, it’s IMU and
sensors from the Grove Inventor Kit to create a
motion-activated device. The entire device will be
housed in a plastic take-away container.
2. Document the devices use and context. Using
your knowledge of interactive design principles
and the goals of human-centered design, develop
an interaction model.
Create an interaction model which illustrates the use
and function of your device in its context. Describe
visually how the device will be used and what
interactions are possible. It can include descriptive
text or relevant images of the device. APA
referencing must be included in a bibliography.
3. Present the device and demonstrate its
interactive functions, explain its use and context
and articulate its purpose.
Each student will have to co-present their report. You
will have 3 minutes to present, followed feedback
from your studio tutor and peers.

Submission: Submit one .PDF to Canvas containing the interaction model. It should be named using the unit of
study code, assessment number and your unikey, for example “DECO1013_A2_mbor1234.pdf”. Instructions for
how to submit the files will be posted on the eLearning site (canvas.sydney.edu.au). Each student will present
their prototype in Week 8 (during class).

References: You need to cite any references used in your research, including images. Make use of one specific
referencing style consistently throughout your report and list your references in a correctly formatted
bibliography at the end of your document. We recommend using APA (American Psychological Association)
referencing guidelines. Examples and guidelines can be found on http://www.citethisforme.com/guides/apa or
http://libguides.library.usyd.edu.au/c.php?g=508212&p=3476096


Architecture, Design and Planning

Expected workload:
Students are expected to spend approximately 16 hours working on this assignment. This is calculated by the
percentage assessment weighting of the minimum hours of student effort outside of face-to-face classes. This is
only provided as a guide; each individual student may spend more or less time, depending on their study
preferences and learning ability.

Presentation requirements:
Each student will present their prototype and report at their table, with tutors and demonstrators coming around
to each. You will have approximately 3 minutes to present, followed by feedback from your studio tutor and
peers. The presentation should include only the relevant aspects of your report, as the time limit will not permit
you to present every aspect of your design.

For students taking DECO1008 - Academic Integrity
Work which builds on work previously submitted in the same, or a previous, unit of study will not constitute
recycling provided that such resubmission is allowed by the examiner and the previous work and the extent and
nature of its use is acknowledged.

Your report must outline where you are using work that has already been submitted to the previous
assessments, as per the academic honesty in coursework policy 3.7.2:
https://sydney.edu.au/students/academic-integrity.html

Task 3: Interactive motion-activated prototype (40%, individual, 32 hours over 7 weeks)

Why You are doing this assessment
This assessment is the delivery of the object you have been designing over the course of the semester. It includes
a prototype device that you will exhibit at the pop-up show in week 14.

What you need to do
You are required to build a working prototype of the design proposed in assignment 2. The prototype will be
1:1 scale, based on the BBC Micro:bit platform and battery powered. The motion-activated prototype will
incorporate the fabricated enclosure from DECO1008 requiring students to use digital fabrication techniques
to design an enclosure to house the physical computing components.

Students not enrolled concurrently in DECO1013 & DECO1008 will be advised on how to incorporate a
fabricated enclosure for their device.

Task Deliverable
1. Develop a mid-fidelity motion-activated
prototype. Use the concepts developed in A2:
Low-Fidelity Prototype to develop a motion-
activated design.
Build a mid-fidelity motion-activated prototype. The
prototype will use the BBC Micro:bit, it’s IMU or the
Grove Inventor Kit sensors to create a motion-
activated device.
2. Design an enclosure for the device with the use
of human-centered design principles.
Design an enclosure for the device. The entire
device will be mounted in a digitally fabricated
enclosure. The enclosure must incorporate the
devices functionality in its design.

Submission: Each student will exhibit their prototype on Tuesday 12th Nov, 09:00-15:00 at the Physical
Computing Exhibition.



Architecture, Design and Planning





References: You need to cite any references used in your research, including images. Make use of one specific
referencing style consistently throughout your report and list your references in a correctly formatted
bibliography at the end of your document. We recommend using APA (American Psychological Association)
referencing guidelines. Examples and guidelines can be found on http://www.citethisforme.com/guides/apa or
http://libguides.library.usyd.edu.au/c.php?g=508212&p=3476096

Expected workload:
Students are expected to spend approximately 32 hours working on this assignment. This is calculated by the
percentage assessment weighting of the minimum hours of student effort outside of face-to-face classes. This is
only provided as a guide; each individual student may spend more or less time, depending on their study
preferences and learning ability.


Task 4: Documentation & Exhibition (20%, individual, 16 hours over 7 weeks)

Why You are doing this assessment
This assessment is your opportunity to document the justification and use of your interactive device in a way that
you can share and include in your portfolio. It is designed to not only be a way for you to communicate your
design for assessment, but also to continue to develop good communication skills through short videos: a useful
skill for communicating interactive product designs.

What you need to do
You are required to document and present their interactive motion-activated prototype through a 1 min video,
which is to be included in the physical computing showcase. You must submit this on Monday afternoon before
the exhibition. Late submission will not only include a penalty but may also mean that your video cannot be
included in the showcase.



Architecture, Design and Planning
Task Deliverable
1. Develop a 1 min video documenting the
development of your Interactive motion-activated
prototype.
In a 1 min video communicate the iterative process
you went through to design the device. Include a
demonstration of the devices function and an
articulation of the designs purpose.

Submission: Submit one .MOV or .MP4 to a Drobox link that will be provided. It should be named using the
unit of study code, assessment number and your unikey, for example “DECO1013_A4_mbor1234.mov”.

All videos to be included in the physical computing showcase are due Monday 11th Nov, 17:00 if your video
is not received by this time, it will not be included in the showcase.

References: You need to cite any references used in your research, including images. Make use of one specific
referencing style consistently throughout your report and list your references in a correctly formatted
bibliography at the end of your document. We recommend using APA (American Psychological Association)
referencing guidelines. Examples and guidelines can be found on http://www.citethisforme.com/guides/apa or
http://libguides.library.usyd.edu.au/c.php?g=508212&p=3476096

Expected workload:
Students are expected to spend approximately 16 hours working on this assignment. This is calculated by the
percentage assessment weighting of the minimum hours of student effort outside of face-to-face classes. This is
only provided as a guide; each individual student may spend more or less time, depending on their study
preferences and learning ability.

If you have not completed DECO1014: You may use any tool to create your video, such as Adobe Spark
(https://spark.adobe.com/), which also has training available to you through Linda.com and your enrolment at
The University of Sydney. Instructions on how to use this platform will be made available on Canvas.




Architecture, Design and Planning
4. Assessment Evaluation
Assessment Results and Feedback
Assessment results and feedback will be provided within 2 weeks of the submission date.


Assessment Policies and Procedures
For assessment policies and procedures, including academic integrity, late submissions, and special
consideration, see the unit of study outline.


Assessment Marks
The following generic grade descriptors will be used for assessing your submissions:

Grade Description
High
Distinction
85 - 100
Work of outstanding quality, demonstrating mastery of the learning outcomes assessed.
The work shows significant innovation, experimentation, critical analysis, synthesis, insight,
creativity, and/or exceptional skill.
Distinction
75 - 84
Work of excellent quality, demonstrating a sound grasp of the learning outcomes
assessed. The work shows innovation, experimentation, critical analysis, synthesis, insight,
creativity, and/or superior skill.
Credit
65 - 74

Work of good quality, demonstrating more than satisfactory achievement of the learning
outcomes assessed, or work of excellent quality for a majority of the learning outcomes
assessed.
Pass
50 - 64
Work demonstrating satisfactory achievement of the learning outcomes assessed.
Fail 1
25 - 49
Work that does demonstrates an attempt at, but not satisfactory achievement of, one or
more of the learning outcomes assessed.
Fail 2
0 - 25
No submission, or work that shows a lack of understanding of requirements and learning
outcomes assessed.




Architecture, Design and Planning
Assessment Criteria
The following specific assessment criteria will be used for assessing your submissions to help guide your learning:
A. Process
B. Design quality
C. Technical execution
D. Documentation & presentation

A. Process: use of prototyping methods, improvement of project through iteration and incorporating feedback
received from your tutors, peers and users; general level of reflection during the semester – in terms of relevance
of methods chosen, execution of methods, etc.
HD D CR P F1 F2
Thorough process with
thoughtfully applied
methods in all phases and
clear evidence of reflection.
Thorough process and
appropriate methods
applied in most
phases.
Appropriate
methods applied
in most phases.
Some inappropriate
or incomplete use of
methods.
Unsatisfactory or
incomplete
application of
methods.
Inappropriate or
absent application
of methods.

B. Design quality: in terms of visual design, navigation design, layout, and interaction design, use of design
principles, etc., as well as appropriateness of chosen design solution in regard to audience and context.
HD D CR P F1 F2
Clear and convincing
interaction, layout and
visual design to the level
of professional standards.
Clear and well-
considered
interaction, layout
and visual design.
Mostly clear and
adequately
considered interaction,
layout and visual
design.
Satisfying
interaction
design, layout
and visual.
Unsatisfactory or
unclear interaction
design, layout and
visual design.
Inappropriate, missing
or inadequate
interaction, layout and
visual design.

C. Technical execution: execution (use of appropriate technologies/material, fidelity of implementation) as
well as sophistication (, level of functionality implemented, etc.) of your final demonstration prototype.
HD D CR P F1 F2
Innovative and
semantically correct use
of technologies and
sophisticated
implementation that
matches professional
standards.
Original and mostly
semantically correct
use of technologies
and interesting
implementation.
Appropriate use of
technologies and
appropriate
implementation but
lacking semantical
correctness.
Satisfying use of
technologies and
satisfying
implementation, but
large parts of the
implementation are
lacking.
Unsatisfactory use
of technology and
poor, incomplete
implementation.
Inappropriate use of
technologies,
inadequate attempt
at implementation.

D. Documentation & presentation includes overall quality of documentation, whether as a report or video. You
are assessed on content (depth and clarity of explanations, references to principles and other material covered
in lectures and tutorials, as well as demonstration of further research and solid understanding of the material
covered) and style (writing and communication style, structure, layout and formatting, consistency, grammar).
HD D CR P F1 F2
Excellent demonstration
and solid
understanding of the
topics taught in the unit
and clearly
documented project
that matches
professional standards.
Presented in an
attractive and
aesthetically pleasing
format to an
exceptional level of
quality.
Thorough
demonstration and
solid understanding
of the topics taught in
the unit and clearly
documented project.
Presented in an
attractive and
aesthetically pleasing
format to a high-level
of quality.
Satisfying
demonstration
and
understanding of
the topics taught
in the unit and
well-documented
project.
Presented in an
attractive and
aesthetically
pleasing format
at a good level
of quality.
Some demonstration and
understanding of the
topics taught in the unit
and mostly well-
documented project.
Presented in an
attractive and
aesthetically pleasing
format at a satisfactory
level of quality, some
grammatical or spelling
errors which do not
interfere with meaning.
Unsatisfactory
demonstration of
understanding of the
topics taught in the unit,
confusing project
documentation. Poorly
presented and
formatted, with
grammatical or
spelling errors that
occasionally interfere
with meaning.
No demonstration of
understanding of the
topics taught in the
unit. Missing or
confusing project
documentation. Poorly
presented and
formatted, with
grammatical or
spelling errors that
frequently interfere
with meaning.