Android Experiments - 3x Android apps

Project number two for MDDN352 “Ubiquitous Computing” at Victoria University in 2011 was all about experimenting with mobile apps. The project, titled “Interaction Experiments” asked for three or more experiments that explored the various input options available on mobile devices (mic, touch-screen, accelerometer, gyroscope, 3D orientation/compass/magnetic field, light sensor, GPS, etc)

Keyboards and mice are being joined by a new wave of HCI input options. Touch screens and accelerometers introduce a rich field of interactive options to be explored. How do we begin to use these new, largely “invisible”, interfaces?

For this project, you will explore the multiple new inputs available to a new generation of smart phones and tablet computers by building interactive Flash Builder experiments. Conduct research into the existing interaction paradigms, and determine which tools are available to you. Try to imagine alternative methods of navigating content, generating user feedback loops, and eliciting delight in small interactions.

I opted to skip Flash Builder and used Java with the Android SDK to make my apps. I was putting myself in the deep end again as I had no experience with the Android SDK or Java, but where’s the fun if there’s no challenge, right?

Wander:

Uses orientation and location sensors. The application generates a random position at a user specified distance from the device’s known location, then a ‘needle’ and distance meter help the user find the location. The general idea is to encourage exploration and go to places the user wouldn’t otherwise. I intend to finish this application (add score, completion detection, a “close as I can get” button), polish it and put it on the Android Marketplace at some point.

Handgun:

Uses gyroscope sensor to turn your regular phone into a gun-phone! Complete with ammo count, reloading, and a range of gun sounds.

Sword:

Uses gyroscope sensor to turn your phone into a brutal weapon.