This project was about learning coding and electronics while getting to know experience prototyping. By designing small pranks and playful interactions, we tested how simple prototypes could change everyday school routines, like turning a crowded staircase into a shared joke or making the entrance greet people with music. It was an exploration of how prototyping can be both a tool for learning and the impact of test its experiences.
Learning Coding and Electronics Through Joy
Experience prototype pranks
Spring 2024
A collection of physical and digital pranks designed around learning coding and prototyping. The goal was to bring moments of laughter and surprise to everyday school life.
Project info
1 Week each
Group project
Umeå Institute of Design
Focus
Experience protoyping
Coding
Fun
Team
Cornelia Wysoudil
Menghan Xiao
Signe Lindgren
The project was about learning coding and electronics, but the real highlight was the joy of pranking and seeing people’s reactions. Many responses were bigger and more memorable than we expected, showing the power of experience prototyping. Building real prototypes taught us how ideas and technology must come together, and how changes along the way can lead to even better outcomes. People used our designs in surprising ways, reminding us that once something is out in the world it grows beyond our control. That’s what makes prototyping exciting: testing, adapting, and improving as you go.
Final toughts
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Bridge - Designing for trust
Next project
. . .
At school we have a set of very narrow stairs that often get “traffic-jammed.” We wondered: what if there were traffic lights to solve it? And even better what if traffic cameras made everyone more “accountable” (in a completely unserious way)?
Prank 1: Spiral stair police
POV you are getting pranked
Imagine working for four hours straight, your head feels tired, and suddenly you see a sign and flashing lights snapping you back to life. A demonstration of our prototype from the view of a person experiencing it.
Process
Input: Live camera feed + Push button
Output 1: Flashing light + camera takes a photo
Output 2: Picture displayed on screen + randomized “speeding ticket” text
System flow
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Mornings aren’t always the most enjoyable. Walking into school on a Monday can feel especially heavy. So we asked: what if the experience of entering the building could actually boost your mood?
Prank 2: The hype door
Imagine you’re tired, dragging yourself into school, when suddenly you see a big red button promising a good day. Curiosity wins, you press it… A demonstration of our prototype from the view of a person experiencing it.
Turn on sound! 🔊
. . .
POV you are getting pranked
Input: Push button
Output: Play random song + Activate Disco light
System flow
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2.
Process