Changes

What technologies (programming languages, etc.) will you be using? ''' It is requested that I use Sugar Lab's Etoys program, however, I will have to use Arduino 1.0.5 for coding the commands for the stuffed animal so that it will act as an input device using either a keyboard with modified keys or a joystick. Then I will use Etoys to create a simple interactive program (non verbal) that the child could have certain pre-programmed interactions and outcomes using the stuffed animal. I would like to try to integrate some type of responsive feedback, for example, a small LED light blinking, or a sound that is produced from the stuffed animal to show that the communication and interaction is two sided. (That might be a good idea for another project for GSOC) '''

What technologies (programming languages, etc.) will you be using? ''' It is requested that I use Sugar Lab's Etoys program, however, I will have to use Arduino 1.0.5 for coding the commands for the stuffed animal so that it will act as an input device using either a keyboard with modified keys or a joystick. Then I will use Etoys to create a simple interactive program (non verbal) that the child could have certain pre-programmed interactions and outcomes using the stuffed animal. I would like to try to integrate some type of responsive feedback, for example, a small LED light blinking, or a sound that is produced from the stuffed animal to show that the communication and interaction is two sided. (That might be a good idea for another project for GSOC) '''

What is the timeline for development of your project?  The Summer of Code work period is from May 19 - August 22; tell us what you will be working on each week. (As the summer goes on, you and your mentor will adjust your schedule, but it's good to have a plan at the beginning so you have an idea of where you're headed.) Note that you should probably plan to have something "working and 90% done" by the midterm evaluation (27 June); the last steps always take longer than you think, and we will consider cancelling projects which are not mostly working by then. '''I will start the day that I find that I am approved, even if it is before May 19th.  

What is the timeline for development of your project?  The Summer of Code work period is from May 19 - August 22; tell us what you will be working on each week. (As the summer goes on, you and your mentor will adjust your schedule, but it's good to have a plan at the beginning so you have an idea of where you're headed.) Note that you should probably plan to have something "working and 90% done" by the midterm evaluation (27 June); the last steps always take longer than you think, and we will consider cancelling projects which are not mostly working by then.  

Now-May 19th: Design and focus on creating a functioning input device. Clarify requirements and main goals for the stuffed animal hack. Focus on what method is best for input (Joystick, keyboard, strategically placed buttons, motion sensors, etc). Set firm and clear goals for this project. Designing a program that would take the input and have it interact in a way that is stimulating and engaging. Possibly a music program that will play certain animal sounds while showing a picture of the animal. Or perhaps a flashcard/slideshow program with certain words that can be recorded by a family member and pictures of things that the child shows interest in.

'''I will start the day that I find that I am approved, even if it is before May 19th. Starting now-May 19th: Design and focus on creating a functioning input device. Clarify requirements and main goals for the stuffed animal hack. Focus on what method is best for input (Joystick, keyboard, strategically placed buttons, motion sensors, etc). Set firm and clear goals for this project. Designing a program that would take the input and have it interact in a way that is stimulating and engaging. Possibly a music program that will play certain animal sounds while showing a picture of the animal. Or perhaps a flashcard/slideshow program with certain words that can be recorded by a family member and pictures of things that the child shows interest in. Interview teachers who work with kids with special needs to further improve design and function. Conduct research on pricing the materials and creating a parts list. Starting with a goal of under $50.00 and then trying to beat that price by 20% in the week of July 14th. Gather all the parts and tools necessary to begin creating prototypes.  

Interview teachers who work with kids with special needs to further improve design and function. Conduct research on pricing the materials and creating a parts list. Starting with a goal of under $50.00 and then trying to beat that price by 20% in the week of July 14th. Gather all the parts and tools necessary to begin creating prototypes.  

 

Week of May 19th - Begin assembling the parts and testing if the input received is working properly.  

Week of May 19th - Begin assembling the parts and testing if the input received is working properly.  

Week of May 26th - Testing how the inputs work with the program.  

Week of May 26th - Testing how the inputs work with the program.  

Week of June 2nd - Fixing input bugs and design flaws.

Week of June 2nd - Fixing input bugs and design flaws.

Week of June 9th - Further testing interaction between stuffed animal and program.

Week of June 9th - Further testing interaction between stuffed animal and program.

Week of June 16th - Finalizing the design and look for the stuffed animal. I want to have 3 prototypes created.

Week of June 16th - Finalizing the design and look for the stuffed animal. I want to have 3 prototypes created.

Week of June 23rd - Creating a usability metric for the stuffed animal and start testing with target users - children and children who have challenges with non-verbal communication.  

Week of June 23rd - Creating a usability metric for the stuffed animal and start testing with target users - children and children who have challenges with non-verbal communication.  

MID POINT EVALUATIONS - Gather up all the notes and enter the evaluation.

MID POINT EVALUATIONS - Gather up all the notes and enter the evaluation.

Week of June 30th- Analyzing the feed back and making adjustments and correcting any issues.

Week of June 30th- Analyzing the feed back and making adjustments and correcting any issues.

Week of July 7th - Work on creating another program to also be used with the stuffed animal after feedback sessions and requests for certain modifications.  

Week of July 7th - Work on creating another program to also be used with the stuffed animal after feedback sessions and requests for certain modifications.  

Week of July 14th  - Finalize the parts list for all the necessary pieces. Price out the parts list for one stuffed animal and also for bulk production (20 at a time). Look into different retailers, check for generic parts vs brand name, look into 3D printing to see if that is an option.  

Week of July 14th  - Finalize the parts list for all the necessary pieces. Price out the parts list for one stuffed animal and also for bulk production (20 at a time). Look into different retailers, check for generic parts vs brand name, look into 3D printing to see if that is an option.  

Week of July 21st - Make a PDF on how to create the stuffed animal and how to assemble it. Also create a video that shows construction step by step, and also how to debug, test, and connect the stuffed animal.  

Week of July 21st - Make a PDF on how to create the stuffed animal and how to assemble it. Also create a video that shows construction step by step, and also how to debug, test, and connect the stuffed animal.  

Week of July 28th - Continue work on the previous week. Send updates and request feedback.  

Week of July 28th - Continue work on the previous week. Send updates and request feedback.  

2-3 weeks of gathering data, refining the stuffed animal and its programs. Also one week to factor in delays etc.

2-3 weeks of gathering data, refining the stuffed animal and its programs. Also one week to factor in delays etc.

Work on the final evaluations until the Final Date for Project.'''  

Work on the final evaluations until the Final Date for Project.'''

 

 

Convince us, in 5-15 sentences, that you will be able to successfully complete your project in the timeline you have described. This is usually where people describe their past experiences, credentials, prior projects, schoolwork, and that sort of thing, but be creative. Link to prior work or other resources as relevant.

Convince us, in 5-15 sentences, that you will be able to successfully complete your project in the timeline you have described. This is usually where people describe their past experiences, credentials, prior projects, schoolwork, and that sort of thing, but be creative. Link to prior work or other resources as relevant.