TEMPORAL CONFECTIONS
For my Creative Computing final project, my partner and I designed and built an interactive candy dispenser that educates users about the origins of different candy brands through engaging storytelling and animation. The goal was to create a fun yet thought-provoking experience that makes users more aware of their consumption habits. Designed for all user groups, the dispenser was made to be accessible, allowing people to physically interact by pressing a button to select and dispense candy, while simultaneously viewing a short animated story about its history.
To bring this concept to life, we worked through design ideation, Arduino programming, woodshop, and animation. Using laser cutting and a bandsaw, we built the functional prototype, integrating an Arduino-controlled stepper motor system to automate the candy dispensing mechanism. I created the animations using Adobe After Effects, Procreate, and P5.js, while also incorporating a diorama-style display to enhance the physical storytelling aspect of the project.
The final prototype was selected for NYU Interactive Media Arts Winter Show, where our classmates and attendees engaged with the dispenser, enjoying both the interactive experience and the educational storytelling behind each candy. This project blended technology, design, and education, demonstrating how interactive media can transform everyday experiences into moments of curiosity and learning.
Class:
Creative Computing
Tools:
Arduino, Laser Cutter, Bandsaw, Adobe After Effects, Procreate
Skills:
Product Design
Project Overview
The goal of our project was to create a candy jar dispenser that informs the user in an educational and fun way about the origins of the candy they are consuming. This project is for all user groups and we attempted to make it accessible for all. People will experience this project physically by pressing a button which will dispense the candy of their choice and view a short animation. The project is interactive and fun, but also provokes a deeper thought into consumption and the origins of different items.
Design Ideation
Arduino
Wired three servos to the Arduino and added the cardboard part that will function as part of the dispenser.
Woodshop
Laser cut a piece of hardwood to fit the servos, which proved challenging due to the material’s toughness and required multiple iterations and additional scoring to achieve the desired fit. This prototype was quite useful in helping us grasp the functionality and successfully measure the next steps effectively.
