The task was to explore the concept of converting physical inputs into digital outputs, specifically investigating how encrypted virtual data, like passwords, can exist in a physical form. The challenge was to create a physical representation of passwords that maintains security and user engagement.
We developed a system where passwords are represented by four identical cubes on a stand. Using an AR-enabled device, users see a virtual puzzle on the cubes' surface that must be solved to unlock a phone or app. Access is granted only for a short period, after which solenoids in the stand push the cubes, reshuffling the puzzle to mimic a "password timeout" feature.
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This solution is ideal for individuals who check their phones compulsively, those wanting to manage their social media usage, or any application requiring an extra layer of security.
We explored different ways of making encrypted virtual data in a physical format. And froze on interaction with cubes, where the user would have to align them in a particular way to unlock the device.
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The first step in the process was to act out the interaction with some quick bodystorming to ensure that the interaction felt natural (as natural as ARcan feel). Once the group felt assured about the flow of the interaction, the next step was to quickly test separate parts of the project to ensure that they were technically feasible by themselves before introducing more complexity.
●Fiducial changes when we flip the cube.
●Animation on the virtual world to show the pacman running through the trails to unlock the device
●The solenoid that would bump the cubes
●Using phone as the platform to present the project
It is pretty difficult to gauge mental model of what an AR object might behave like. It is therefore important to rely on previously established paradigms of interaction in the physical or virtual world.
It is important to direct the eye of the user when setting up an AR project as there is an inherent confusion about where to look - at the physical object you are interacting with or at the screen where you see the AR output.
Unity has its own constraints and does not support multi user import and export of files smoothly, therefore compiling components to a single unity file from different machines could become tricky.
