Concept Overview:
Introduction:
PianoGripper is a new, fun kind of handheld gaming device concept, that changes what a handheld gaming device is forever – it is a multifunctional product designed not only as a memory game that requires practice and skill, but can also act as a hand exerciser. As the name suggests, the user will essentially ‘grip’ onto the product with one hand and their fingers and thumb will lie over touch sensitive buttons, resembling that of piano keys, which when tapped (physical interaction), emit tones similar to a piano, starting on note ‘C’ and moving a tone up to ‘D’, then a tone up to ‘E’, then a semitone up to ‘F’, then a tone up to ‘G’, and a light to notify that it has been pressed (user feedback). The aim of the game is to repeat the patterns played correctly as many times as possible. Each time a pattern is played correctly, a small LED screen counter which displays numbers, increases. As the game progresses, the speeds the patterns are played starts to vary. The user has 4 lives, and when the user plays 4 incorrect patterns, it is game over. The game leads to an unforeseeable outcome – the game ends when the user is unable to follow the patterns so the end (the ‘outcome’) could occur quickly or after some time. PianoGripper allows The product will run on a rechargeable battery, however, and when the battery is flat, it is still interactive – it can be used as a finger exerciser, where the user can exercise and strengthen their fingers. Therefore since PianoGripper is usable with and without power, together with its simplistic, ergonomic design, users will definitely be engaged with this device.
Features of product:
• The PianoGripper will be made up of simply a plastic box with curved edges covering the Arduino, batteries etc, 5 touch sensitive buttons, which when pressed display 5 unique sounds and display different colours, power on/off, LED screen (See sketch below).
• PianoGripper is a game changer in that the game only requires one hand. It is also very comfortable to grip onto and the user will continually engage with the product due to this. The user can be playing the game while performing another activity – holding onto a handrail, hand bar on a train/bus, looking at their phone.
• Eventually the user wont need to be looking at the PianoGripper since there are only 5 notes/tones, and they will memorise all 5 tones of the game, so they can be playing the game with their eyes closed with enough practice and enough skill, and as the game is addicting, they will be continuously engaged.
• PianoGripper can be played as a solo game (versus an algorithmic artificial intelligence (AI)) or a second user can join in (as the opponent) by programming the PianoGripper to play specific tunes/patterns (a dozen can be set, but are played in loop and sped up each round) in which the user has to follow.
• As said before, what makes the PianoGripper interesting is that it speeds up (and can slow down abruptly) between each pattern/tune is played, so the user must be on the ready, otherwise they will lose quickly.
• The user has 4 lives in PianoGripper, and how this is displayed is by 2 LED lights; 4 lives shows up as 2 green lights, 3 lives show up as 1 blue and 1 red light, 2 lives show up as 2 blue lights, 1 lives show up as 1 blue and 1 ‘out’, 0 lives show up as 2 ‘out’.
Rules of the product:
• In a solo game, the user will press the ‘Power On’ switch and a flicker of all the lights and 5 notes are played to signify that the PianoGripper is functional and there is battery. The user then presses the start button and the first tune/pattern is played. The user will then have to repeat that tune, and when successful, the LED screen counter will display a 1, signifying that they have gotten one correct answer. Over time the patterns get more complex and faster/slower, and the user’s memory will be a crucial factor to their success.
• PianoGripper can also be played with another person (aka the opponent). The opponent will be able to program the PianoGripper to play 12 specific tune/patterns, in which the user needs is tested. Also, the multiplayer aspect goes beyond just being able to program eachother’s PianoGripper. The user and opponent can connect their games together via Bluetooth – the devices will recognise this by lighting up the ‘Bluetooth symbol button’ and the game will change to multiplayer mode. The user starts playing a tune on their PianoGripper, then the opponent needs to repeat that tune. The person who plays the tune keep reversing. Strategy is key in a multiplayer game like this and distracting the other player by laughing could be effective. The winner is the person who is able to knock the other down to 0 lives first.
Inspirations:
As an avid pianist, I love the experience of being able to express myself through music, and having access to a wide gamut of colours that is the keyboard. But playing the piano is like a sport, it requires training, finger training to strengthen the fingers, so you are able to play passages fast, slow, loud and soft without problem, and thus, as the piano cannot be taken everywhere, people need a portable tool to train on the go and in their free time. The Vari-grip by Planet Waves is a great hand exerciser that I use to strengthen my fingers, hands and forearms, and the design of this was an inspiration to my design concept for a handheld game. Holding in the palm of your hand, the Vari-grip feels just right, and you can condition your hands effectively. Thus I based my design of PianoGripper on the Vari-grip – the Pianogripper is just simply a curved box which is held in the hand.
Since we had to create a handheld game, I also looked at the popular ‘Simon’ game (as researched in the Visual Report) and was inspired immensely by the easy and fun nature of the game. The simple design of four buttons which make specific sounds and colours on a circular device intrigued me and so decided to employ the aspect of buttons which light up and make sound in my game.
Moreover, in terms of the display of buttons and speakers on the PianoGripper, I drew inspiration from Nintendo’s Gameboy as well. The design of the Gameboy was very simple and very easy to follow – the placement of the speakers and buttons, in my opinion were chosen effectively to ensure maximum user engagement. Thus, in PianoGripper, I took the same ‘simple layout’ approach, and have speaker grills on the face facing the user and large, distinct, visable buttons.
Target Market:
Who are the target market?
PianoGripper is not limited to a specific age range – it is for anyone who wants a challenging but fun game on the go! The game allows users to exercise their fingers and hands (mini workout), hone their piano skills, on top of its main purpose as a handheld game that tests your memory skills on the go. The game has very simple rules and instructions that anyone can follow.
How does the product relate to them?
The game will truly fascinate younger generations with its simple, challenging yet fun gameplay, and remind older generations of games such as Simon, as it has a familiar gameplay, which was an inspiration for myself when conducting background research.