Button Removal and Presentation

I haven't blogged in a few days so it is time for an update. Ive got my hands on a couple of mice. A roller ball and a optical. I wanted to see the difference between to two of the and the roller bal can be used as a test one.

I have removed some of the buttons on the optical mouse and have been practicing my soldering.

Before After

I am now working on attaching wires to each of the two buttons i have decided to use. I also wouldn't mind making a very simple stand so that all of the pieces are secure. Other things i found when i was looking for my tools were some of my 1st year projects. They have some interesting parts to them so am cannibalize some of there parts for this project.

Things like battrey packs, wires, a small gear box and RC car motor. (Not sure if i will use this yet.)

I went to Jaycar yesterday and had a look around and a talk to the old guys behind the counter. They are very helpful and are keen to help. I also picked up some solder wick and a solder gun. These tools are very very helpful! I have also set up a small work station at home for testing purposes:

I have also been developing my idea for the project. I really like the 3D programme Blender. So i have been using blender to help me to visualize my idea. I am basically working with magnets and metal shards. The metal shads are underneath the clear plastic and the user has to manipulate these shards with the magnet.

There will be two (At the moment) live wires that the user has to connect using the metal shards to get a connection / mouse click. I am unsure at the moment as to what i want to do with the magnet. Do i want it to be hanging like a crane wire. Or attach it to the underside of a toy. (Fun ho toys for example are made out of metal so i mite be able to attach a magnet to the underside of one of their classic tractors of bulldozers.)

Also I often look to Nintendo for inspiration and they have the quote "We Play Together" for their Nintendo Wii. I really like this, and mite try and incorporate this into my design. Where more than one person can use the piece at one time.

Testing: I have been doing a few preliminary tests on if i can get enough voltage through metal shards or metal dust to trigger a button press on the mouse.

Visuals: Pop-up book. I have been looking at quartz and thinking about what style does the program lean towards. I think that a pop up book that is controlled by the user would be awesome and also fit my style of design also.

I aim most of my designs at kids and this design is no different. There is a strong element of play in my design. Much like a game. I am using the play theory to get my ideas across. Also all of the users are able to relate to my design as everybody was once a kid.

Jeff Logging out . . .