using the pin&play interface for games and entertainment

PinDoctor

Concept

The concept being prototyped is a tangible medical game to diagnose and treat a patient using Pin&Play. The prototype has its origins from educational applications of the Pin&Play fabric technology. The idea was to provide tangible interaction for learning via play, and the major themes brought to PinDoctor were its educational applications through fun, game based interaction, promoting learning and development.

Check out the poster made for the prototype's presentation

Interactive game concepts brought the game element to PinDoctor, where games could be customised, tailored to different abilities, and have different interactions to keep users interested and be accessible to a range of abilities and groups.

How it Works

PinDoctor works by detecting pins into a fabric modelled around a “patient”. When pins are added to the patient, they perform two main functions. The first is to provide information once detected, such as diagnostic information like temperature or heart rate. The other is treatment, where pins added will represent medicine administered. It works via cause and effect, with the pins changing states of game play.

Feedback is provided by sounds from the doll in the form of an internal speaker, as well as visual information from a GUI to provide a rich experience. Emphasis is placed on the sequence of events (i.e. diagnosis of symptom, then treatment), and the spatial location of action (i.e. if a drip is administered in the correct location).