Cycle 3 | 400m Dash | MakeyMakey
Posted: May 6, 2024 Filed under: Uncategorized Leave a comment »To continue with the cycles, for cycle 3, I chose to incorporate a MakeyMakey and foil to create a running surface for participants, replacing the laptop’s arrow keys. I expected the setup to be relatively straightforward. In previous cycles, I had trouble with automatic image playback, so I decided to make short videos on Adobe Express (which is free). Using this platform, I created the starting video, the audio cue video, and the 400m dash video with the audio cues.
After finalizing my videos and audio cues to my satisfaction, I encountered difficulties getting the MakeyMakey foil to function properly. Through various tests, troubleshooting, and help from Alex, I discovered that participants needed to hold the “Earth” cord while stepping on the foil. Additionally, they either needed sweaty socks or bare feet to activate the MakeyMakey controls. I copied the 400m dash race onto two separate screens and arranged two running areas for my participants. For the two screens and separate runs to work I had to devise a race logic with user actors.
During the presentation, I encountered technical difficulties again. It became apparent that because the participants had possibly sweaty feet, the foil was sticking to them, keeping the MakeyMakey control stay activated. Which caused issues with the race. We quickly realized that I needed to tape down the foil for the race to function properly.
If I were to work on another cycle, I would prioritize ensuring that the running setup functions smoothly and reliably, with both participants able to hear audio from their devices. Additionally, I would expand the project by incorporating race times, a running clock, and possibly personalized race plans tailored to participants’ goal race times or their best race times.