Minimum Viable Product

PS70 Project 07 Prototyping Electronics

Project Overview

This project involved developing a prototype of the Smart HeadGear system, focusing on creating a functional minimum viable product that demonstrates core features. The MVP utilizes a capacitive sensor to detect impact force, with visual feedback through an LED system that changes color based on the force detected - green for low impact, transitioning to red for high impact. This simple but effective visualization system serves as a proof of concept for the final project's more sophisticated impact detection system.

Development Process

Core Features

Implemented capacitive force sensing and LED feedback system.

Hardware Integration

Integrated XIAO microcontroller with capacitive sensor and RGB LED.

Testing

Validated force detection and LED response system.

Results

Impact Threshold System

Impact Level Indicators

The MVP uses a three-level impact detection system with visual and audio feedback:

  • Green: Low impact - Safe range
  • Yellow: Medium impact - Caution range
  • Red: High impact - Warning range with audio alert
Safe
Caution
Warning 🔊

Impact threshold visualization with visual alert for high impacts

Project Demonstration

Demonstration of the Smart HeadGear MVP's force detection system

About the Demonstration

This video showcases the Smart HeadGear MVP prototype, demonstrating:

  • Capacitive force detection using XIAO microcontroller
  • LED color feedback system (green to red based on impact force)
  • Real-time response to varying impact intensities
  • Proof of concept for impact detection

Note: This LED feedback system serves as a visualization tool for the MVP. In the final project, this will be replaced with more sophisticated impact detection and analysis systems.

Challenges & Solutions

Development Challenges

Encountered challenges in hardware integration and system reliability.

Solutions:

  • Optimized component placement
  • Improved power management
  • Enhanced system stability