Summary of Concept Refinement – Space engine re-fuel
Participants refuel a dead nuclear engine using four-chamber fuel rods that glow or flicker to show charged or dying states. The project delivers multisensory input through visual, auditory, and haptic feedback via physical interaction with the rods. A metallic protective cover encloses the chambers, which are inserted into an engine or recharge station to create a memorable experience.
Parts used in the Nuclear Engine Refuel Project:
- Four cylindrical chambers
- Glowing/flickering lights
- Metallic protective cover
- Nuclear engine panel
- Recharge station
- Auditory input system
- Haptic feedback system
Experience Flow and Control Electronics
Background
We are making the participants refuel a dead nuclear engine. We are making them handle dying and charged nuclear fuel rods. We want to give them an experience which will stay with them for long.
Participants get multisensory input in auditory, visual and haptic forms. The fuel rod is a physical object that every participant gets a chance to interact with. It is central to the overall experience. The visual and haptic feedback given by it results in the “Wow!” experience.
The Idea
Our idea is to have fuel rods that are sets of four cylindrical chambers each. The chambers glow brightly or flicker dimly to indicate the state as “charged” or “dying”. The fuel rods can be inserted on the “engine” or the “recharge station”. Shown below are the sketch models for the fuel rod and engine panel working together.
Douglas made an awesome looks-like model of the fuel rod (below). The four chambers are enclosed in a metallic protective cover.
For more detail: Concept Refinement – Space engine re-fuel
- How do participants interact with the fuel rods?
Participants physically handle and insert the rods into the engine or recharge station. - What indicates if a rod is charged or dying?
The four chambers glow brightly for charged or flicker dimly for dying states. - Does the project use multisensory input?
Yes, it provides auditory, visual, and haptic forms of input. - What is the central object of the overall experience?
The fuel rod is the central physical object every participant interacts with. - Can you describe the structure of the fuel rod?
It consists of four cylindrical chambers enclosed in a metallic protective cover. - Where can the fuel rods be inserted?
They can be inserted on the engine or the recharge station. - What type of feedback results in the Wow experience?
Visual and haptic feedback from the fuel rod creates the Wow experience.
