Special Topics Module 2

Research & Activity Documentation

Olivia Weiss

Project 2

Module 2

This project expands on project 1. During project 1 peer feedback, Jesse liked my idea and asked to join me to help create it. Throughout this project Jesse and I are continuing to develop the gesture based smart mirror for fitness environments. This phase focused on the prototype development of the idea. Our exploration focused on how we would actual create this and what software we would use and how we would display it. Through research and videos we discovered that touch designer would be the best way to display this. We wanted to use monitors so we could create a full body mirror but understood that this wasn’t feasible to find/buy monitors that big. Because of this we started to experiment with projection and one way mirror film. We were able to get multiple stackable monitors from the school and use them as our behind the mirror projection rather than having to use a projector. Moving forward the next project we will have a functioning gesture based smart mirror for gym environments developed to the furthest of our abilities.

Project Management

To help keep the team organized and ensure tasks were completed on time, I created a shared to-do list with specific deadlines. The list was built in Google Docs and uses checkboxes so tasks can be marked off once they are finished. It is also organized by team member, which makes it clear who is responsible for each task. We communicate through Microsoft Teams, which allows us to easily update one another on progress, ask questions, and stay aligned throughout the project.

Action Research Testing

For action research testing, I developed a prototype focused on exploring and evaluating the materials suitable for the mirror, while Jesse engineered a separate prototype to investigate gesture-based interaction.

Action Research Cycle 1

I purchased one-way window privacy film to test whether it could function as a cost-effective alternative to a traditional two-way mirror for the smart mirror prototype.

In my first test, I placed the film in front of my laptop to see how reflections and projected light would behave. The reflection was visible, but the mirror surface significantly distorted the image. Through further experimentation, I discovered that the film needed to be mounted onto a rigid surface to produce a clearer reflection.

I then unrolled the film and taped it to a workout rack to create a larger reflective surface. This improved the clarity of the reflection. However, when I attempted to place a projector behind the film, the projected image and light passed directly through the material, making it unsuitable for this purpose.

To explore a more viable solution, I tested combining plexiglass with the window film to create a DIY two-way mirror. I removed the plexiglass from an old picture frame and cut the film to match its size. After applying the film to the plexiglass, the surface began to resemble a functional mirror.

I then placed my iPad behind the plexiglass to act as a display. The video from the iPad was visible through the film while still allowing me to see my reflection. This experiment demonstrated that a two-way mirror effect could be achieved using plexiglass and window film, providing a more affordable solution for our final prototype.

Through this testing process, I determined that one-way window film alone was not sufficient for the smart mirror prototype because it distorted reflections and allowed too much light to pass through when used with a projector. However, mounting the film onto plexiglass significantly improved the mirror quality and allowed a display placed behind it to remain visible while still maintaining a reflective surface. This experiment demonstrated that a functional two-way mirror effect can be achieved using plexiglass and window film, providing a practical and cost-effective solution for our prototype without needing to purchase a traditional two-way mirror.

Action Research Cycle 2

By the end of Project 1, I decided that using TouchDesigner would be a more practical approach for developing the smart mirror interface. Initially, I had considered using a large monitor to display the interface behind the mirror surface, but it became clear that sourcing a monitor large enough for the prototype would not be feasible within the project constraints. Because of this, I shifted toward using TouchDesigner, which allows for interactive visual content to be created and projected, making it more suitable for experimenting with projected interfaces.

My first stage of action research focused on learning the fundamentals of TouchDesigner. To do this, I completed a crash course series consisting of 24 instructional videos. These videos introduced the core concepts of the software, including its node-based workflow, real-time visual processing, and how different operators can be connected to create interactive systems. This learning phase helped me understand how TouchDesigner can be used to generate dynamic visuals and interactive elements that could later be integrated into the smart mirror prototype.

Through this learning process, I began to understand how TouchDesigner could be used to create the visual interface for the gesture-based mirror system. The software provides the flexibility to design and control real-time graphics, which can then be displayed through a projection or screen behind the mirror surface. Developing familiarity with TouchDesigner established the technical foundation needed to begin experimenting with how the interface could respond to user interaction in future stages of the project.

Project 2

Prototype Research and Development

For project 2s prototype development, I focused on researching and experimenting with materials and software to create the smart mirror.

This prototype is one way mirror film ontop of plexiglass with an iPad behind it to test the mirror and projection capabilities.