Ageing is linked to a decrease in mobility, which affects the quality of life of many elderly individuals. This is a growing challenge in industrialised societies since the proportion of elderly individuals is becoming larger. One potential solution that would keep these individuals active and independent is the use of mobility assist devices. These devices are designed to reduce the energy demand of the user with the use of electric motors providing torques at joints of the lower limb. Although promising, these devices have a problem: they become uncomfortable after prolonged usage. This is especially true for devices designed to produce substantial assistance. The research goal consisted of quantifying the performance of the physical interfaces, or points of attachments, of an experimental device with multiple interface adjustments. The device was fabricated with design criteria similar to active assist devices to simulate the mechanical behaviour of these particular devices. This analysis provided design recommendations that could ultimately enhance the performance of assist devices available on the market and thus the quality of life of many individuals. This research used force mapping and motion capture to quantify the kinetic and the kinematic compatibility of the device. Experimental results have shown that the position, shape and other parameters of the interfaces had an effect on the relative movement of the brace, or the brace performance. The device interface migration was greater when the interfaces were positioned furthest away form the joint. An increasing level of assistance showed more relative movement between the brace and the user. Interface geometry had a noticeable effect on force distribution over the interface. The results and methodology of this research offers an in depth understanding of the mechanical behavior of the physical interfaces of the developed assist device. Nevertheless, further research and development in the field of human machine interactions are needed in order to develop a physical human-machine interface that will ensure the success of powered assist devices in the future.

[pt] Esta dissertação investiga a partir de uma abordagem multidisciplinar o processo de animação de expressões faciais em longas-metragens de stop motion, contextualizando sua produção no Brasil e no exterior. Por meio de uma pesquisa exploratória e experimental, investiga tecnologias de interfaces físicas aplicadas na animação de expressões faciais de bonecos. A pesquisa se estrutura em três momentos. Primeiro, uma discussão sobre a técnica de animação stop motion é proposta a partir de um paralelismo histórico entre o desenvolvimento tecnológico e a sua relação com a técnica. No segundo momento, informações sobre produções de longas-metragens que utilizam a técnica de stop motion com bonecos são levantadas, relacionando as soluções encontradas para fazer a animação de expressões faciais nas produções nacionais e internacionais com a interpretação das personagens e a unidade dos bonecos. O levantamento parte de revisão bibliográfica e do contato com quatro produtoras nacionais em fase de produção de longas-metragens com a técnica stop motion. No terceiro momento, discutimos o ato de animar um boneco e propomos uma série de experimentações, buscando novas formas de solucionar a animação de suas expressões faciais, com auxílio da tecnologia. As experimentações foram embasadas por processos de prática reflexiva, conhecer-na-ação e reflexão-na-ação. A pesquisa contribui para a ampliação da discussão sobre a técnica stop motion no Brasil, a sua otimização e produção, e assim motivar a produção de novos longas-metragens em stop motion no mercado brasileiro. / [en] This dissertation investigates in a multidisciplinary way the process of facial expressions animation in stop motion feature films. It contextualizes and observes the production of stop motion feature films in Brazil and abroad. Through exploratory and experimental research, we investigate physical interface technologies applied to puppet s facial expressions animation. The research is structured in three parts. First, stop motion technique is discussed through a historical parallel between technological development in relation to the technique. Next, information is gathered on feature film productions, from Brazil and abroad, using stop motion technique with puppets. Different techniques found in facial expression animation are observed in relation to the character s interpretation and the unity of the puppet. The survey starts with a bibliographic review and interviews with four national studios in the production stage of stop motion feature films in the last part, we discuss the act of animating a puppet and propose a series of experiments in search of new ways to animate the facial expressions of puppets with the aid of technology. The experiments were based on processes of reflexive practice, knowing-in-action and reflection-in-action. This research contributes to the expansion of the discussion about the stop motion technique in Brazil, its optimization and production, thus motivating the production of new stop motion feature films in the Brazilian market.

<p>This thesis explores the problems and possibilities concerning the interaction between players physically located in different cars during temporary meetings in a gaming situation. The thesis is part of a study set out to investigate how traffic encounters can be used as a resource in a mobile, multiplayer game intended as entertainment for children travelling in the backseat of cars. The multiplayer capabilities are realised by using wireless networks in ad hoc peer- to-peer mode, GPS positioning and a digital compass. </p><p>Designing the interaction for an ad hoc, mobile multiplayer experience introduces several design challenges, such as how to adapt to the temporality of traffic encounters and how to establish a connection between the digital game and the physical context. The nature of traffic encounters inspired us to take a newapproach to the interaction. The interaction is accomplished using a device, which enables direct interaction between players physically located in different cars. A prototype game was constructed within the frames of the project, which this thesis was part of, to test the functionality of the game concept. The prototype has been tested in its real setting, i.e. inside a car. The study and the work on this thesis was initialised and supervised by Liselott Brunnberg and the work was carried out at the Mobility Studio at the Interactive Institute in Stockholm during late spring and summer 2003.</p>

This thesis explores the problems and possibilities concerning the interaction between players physically located in different cars during temporary meetings in a gaming situation. The thesis is part of a study set out to investigate how traffic encounters can be used as a resource in a mobile, multiplayer game intended as entertainment for children travelling in the backseat of cars. The multiplayer capabilities are realised by using wireless networks in ad hoc peer- to-peer mode, GPS positioning and a digital compass. Designing the interaction for an ad hoc, mobile multiplayer experience introduces several design challenges, such as how to adapt to the temporality of traffic encounters and how to establish a connection between the digital game and the physical context. The nature of traffic encounters inspired us to take a newapproach to the interaction. The interaction is accomplished using a device, which enables direct interaction between players physically located in different cars. A prototype game was constructed within the frames of the project, which this thesis was part of, to test the functionality of the game concept. The prototype has been tested in its real setting, i.e. inside a car. The study and the work on this thesis was initialised and supervised by Liselott Brunnberg and the work was carried out at the Mobility Studio at the Interactive Institute in Stockholm during late spring and summer 2003.

[pt] Esta tese apresenta uma proposta de ensino-aprendizagem de Design de Interfaces Físicas em um curso de graduação em Design, com base na metodologia da Prática Reflexiva definida por Donald Schon (1983). O estudo trata da definição, concepção e implementação de um ambiente de ensino-aprendizagem de Design de Interação. No estudo explora-se o contexto da Ubiquidade Computacional definido por Marc Weiser (1991), estabelecendo-se uma relação entre este contexto e o campo do ensino de Interfaces Físicas (O SULLIVAN, 2004), área emergente do Design de Interação. Propõe-se um ambiente de ensino-aprendizagem de Interfaces Físicas a partir de um conjunto de iniciativas como o desenvolvimento de disciplinas em um curso de graduação em design; processos colaborativos inter, multi e transdisciplinares para experimentação e desenvolvimento de projetos e a criação de um laboratório de ensino. Subsequentemente, apresenta-se uma discussão sobre alguns resultados decorrentes da criação desse ambiente. Na discussão, são investigados como e porque a experiência no ambiente de ensino-aprendizagem proposto foi determinante na definição dos processos metodológicos de Design utilizados, e busca-se compreender quais são as características destes processos e de seus resultados. / [en] This thesis presents a proposal for the teaching of Physical Computing in an undergraduate Design course, based on the Reflective Practice methodology defined by Donald Schon (1983). The study comprises de definition, conception and implementation of a Physical Computing learning environment. In the study, the context of Ubiquitous Computing defined by Marc Weiser (1991) is explored, and a relation between this context and the field of knowledge of Physical Computing (O SULLIVAN, 2004) as an emerging area of Interaction Design is established. The Physical Computing Learning Environment is proposed after a series of initiatives that comprehend the development of academic disciplines, interdisciplinary collaborative processes, and the creation of a laboratory. Subsequently, we present a discussion about the results of the creation of this environment. In the discussion, we investigate how and why the experience in the Physical Computing learning environment was determinant in the definition of the methodological Design processes used, in order to understand what are the characteristics of such processes and its results.