Project Two B - Final Animation

Project Two B - Final Interface

Project Two B - Development

Changes:

I have added a 'return' button to the start screen of the interface so that in presentation I can go back to the animation if I accidentally press the next button when my group wants to see the animation replayed.

Project Two B - Development

Changes:
I have taken away the 'Back' button because the back button was taking the user to the 'Home' screen, threfore there is no need to have both buttons.

 

Project Two B - Development

Changes:
I have decided to change the way that the user views the comparison to the other appliances that are being used. My original idea was that the user could touch the appliance that they wanted to compare the current observation against which would take them to another screen. I have decided to show the comparison in the same place that the choice of appliance to compare to so the user does not have to press so many buttons possibly resulting in annoyance. 

Project Two B - Development

Changes:
I have changed the way that the compare to area on the interface looks to having just the symbol instead of just the wording of the appliances that can be compared to the current.
I have also changed the colour of the alarm clock because the red may put users off because the red could symbolise that the energy use is high when it is not. Using these colours matches the rest of the logos as well.

Project Two B - Development

Interface changes from proposal:

- Appliance logo as well as appliance name.

- Position of appliances being measured.

- Home button.

- Back button.

- Colour added.

Project Two B - Planning

Flash Movie Sketches

Animation Planning -

 

Interface Planning -

Project Two B -Interface and Transmitter Research

Compact Wireless Energy Monitor.
http://www.weiku.com/products/3596747/Wireless_Energy_Monitor_Compact.html

Elite Energy Monitor.
http://www.nusun.com/Energy-Monitor-p/nn%20020810a.htm

 Wireless Energy Monitor
http://www.google.co.nz/imgres?q=energy+wireless+transmitter&um=1&hl=en&biw=1280&bih=629&tbm=isch&tbnid=6agvIh81czOrjM:&imgrefurl=http://www.wholesale-electrical-electronics.com/p-wireless-energy-monitor-ha102-1187242.html&docid=oY6lQLwXLMqVEM&w=752&h=731&ei=msR_TuPqMcX-mAXw5vmiBQ&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=171&vpy=141&dur=182&hovh=221&hovw=228&tx=130&ty=102&page=2&tbnh=127&tbnw=129&start=21&ndsp=20&ved=1t:429,r:0,s:21

PROJECT TWO - PART B

Project Two A - Final Written Description

I am going to create an energy-recording device that informs people about how much power appliances in the home or office use when on stand-by or just on. The device will work by one small plug-in device that is the recorder of consumption of WATTS and AMP that the appliance chosen is using and how much that is costing the user. When the small device is plugged in and recording the energy that an appliance is using, the edge of it will be lit with a blue LED light. The recorder then wirelessly transfers the data to the LCD screen that is placed on the desk, bench or desired obvious position in the building for the user to see all the time. The LCD screen has the options of what appliances you wish to record and you can also choose to compare that appliance to another appliance that is being recorded too. The LCD screen has an easy navigation system with a touch screen for ease, and large readable figures and is also powered by batteries. Depending on the use-age of the appliance, the figures on the screen will stay black unless the use-age of the appliance is high, then the figures will be red to help the user realise the amount of energy that the appliance is using. The aim of my energy-saving device is mostly to make people realise how much energy is being wasted when appliances are left on stand-by.

Project Two A - Final Prototype

Project Development - Sketches

Concept Sketches

Comparing Recordings of Appliances

Through my recordings of different appliances, I found some interesting outcomes that I have compared against each other.
For example, my stereo used only slightly more power than the TV when it was on stand-by.  I found this interesting because the stereo was using all the power that it needed to run and play my music, but the TV wasn’t exactly doing anything therefore doesn’t really need to use as much power as it did. I found this comparison interesting as it has opened my eyes to how much power appliances use when they are only on standby.

The TV and PlayStation had the same usage when on standby.  I found this interesting but also predictable as when both appliances are on standby, they aren’t running any disks or displaying images. I was quite surprised at how much power these appliances used when on standby but I guess it is semi reasonable in the fact that they need to be semi running and ready to respond to the remote when the user wants to use the appliance.

When the TV is on, it uses more power than the PlayStation but not a significant amount. I found this recording interesting in the fact that a PlayStation also needs power to send the signals through the cords that are attached to controllers, but then the TV also needs the ability to present the image on the screen and send the commands from the remote to the TV. Over all it makes more sense that the TV uses more power than the PlayStation.  

Energy Consumption Diary

Research - The Wattson & Ambient Energy Meter (Guest Lecturer Recommendations)

The Wattson -
I personally liked the Wattson device out of the these two that I have researched. I liked this design because it was simple looking, modern and neat. I found the way that the Wattson worked was very well designed in the fact that it was easy installed into the connections of your energy meter of your home. On the display unit, I liked that the figures were large and easy to read. I also like the interaction with the display unit as you tilt it, the display changes. I overall found this one to be my favourite and have used some the Wattson ideas towards my proposal.


Ambient Energy Meter -
I found this energy meter very visually pleasing but I couldn't really understand how it actually worked. I do like the idea of it, but I stil found the Wattson to be more understandable and easier to use. I also found the Wattson to be more interactive.

Research - Energy Technology

Wave Energy Technology - a wave energy device that maximises engineering efficiency through the novel use of direct-drive and adaptive response to changes in wave motion. The majority of the device is submerged but floating and is designed to operate in transitional / deepwater waves (20-100 m). It will seek to harness both kinetic and potential energy from passing waves.Reference: 
Wave Energy. (2010). Introduction. Available: http://www.wavenergy.co.nz/1. Last accessed 1st September 2011.


Wind Turbines NZ - They supply about 4% of New Zealand’s annual electricity generation, which is about the same amount of electricity as 180,000 New Zealand homes use in a year.
Reference:
NZ Wind Energy Association. (2011). NZ Wind Farms. Available: http://windenergy.org.nz/nz-wind-farms/nz-wind-farms. Last accessed 1st September 2011.

Research - Energy Use-age

Energy Consumption-
In 2009, world energy consumption decreased for the first time in 30 years (-1.1%) or 130 Megaton oil equivalent, as a result of the financial and economic crisis. In 2008, total world energy consumption was 474 exajoules (474×10¹⁸ J=132,000 TWh). This is equivalent to an average energy consumption rate of 15 terawatts (1.504×10¹³ W)
Reference:
Wikipedia. (27 July 2011). Energy Consumption. Available: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Energy_consumption. Last accessed 1st September 2011.
How to be energy efficient-

Appliances use about a third of the average home's electricity bill. This amount is growing as we continue to buy more appliances and use them for more hours every day.
Appliances in our homes include:

• Fridges and freezers
• TVs, DVD players, stereo systems, gaming consoles
• Computers, printers and faxes
• Cooking equipment
• Washing machines and dryers.

When it's time to replace your old appliances choosing more efficient models is a good way to save on your appliance electricity bill. You can also save money by using your appliances sensibly and switching them off when you aren't using them.

Reference:
Energy Wise. (2011). Appliances. Available: http://www.energywise.govt.nz/how-to-be-energy-efficient/appliances. Last accessed 1st September 2011.