Granny's Computer is a step towards empowering people who have no knowledge of computers, to be able to use it with ease. Working with physical and learnt affordances, while translating real actions into the virtual, makes using a computer an extremely simplified task. This set-up can be used for Educational purposes too, while on-boarding anyone into learning about computers.
Our group of five worked around the clock for three days straight with immense but careful guidance from Anirudh Sharma and Valentin Heun from MIT MediaLab. The group consisted of two Design students, two Engineering students and a Management student.
SETUP OF THE SYSTEM
The explanation of various parts and functions of the project can be found below
MEDIA PLAYER
As the mock CDs are put in the representational CD player, the media starts playing according to it’s assignment
SENDING A LETTER (via email)
After the letter is written, it is needed to be put in the mailbox just like how it’s normally done. Next, the receiver’s assigned card needs to be taken and tapped at the mailbox; and just like that, the email gets sent!
FILE DELETION
There are mock cards representing the various files in the computer. As the card is thrown in the trash can, the file gets deleted from the system
VIDEO CALLING
Taking cues from the ‘crystal ball’ that lets you see more than what you can, this works by using the same card as the email service and connects you to the person on the other end by starting the video call. The card just needs to be tapped on the ball (or hovered, if you like some drama) to start the call
Future scope for this project could be advanced integration like bill payments, cabs, mobile workspace, etc