Blackboard NFC/Mag reader

Last crawled date: 1 year, 11 months ago

**EDIT** Updated description, uploaded STEP, Additional renderings [18th September 2014]
Please watch the Video/Animation provided

The design ethos is based on two core goals.

1. Ergonomics.
Queueing for lecture halls, a busy cafeteria environment, these are typical situations that the device would be used in so it needs to be quick and simple to use, without any hassle. To ensure that it is user friendly, the stand incorporates a tilt mechanism enabling the user to swipe from various angles (whether it be a wheelchair user or a tall male) it also enables the clerk to check if a transaction has been processed if the customer is unsure. In addition, when wall mounted, placed flat or handheld, there is plenty of room to manoeuvre, retaining its degree of functionality - usability is not compromised. Ergonomics is the very essence of the device.

2. Affordances and Semantics
Blackboard transact is all about ease of transactions. Similar to the description of ergonomics, the device has been designed in a way that conveys its essence of operation through its appearance, enabling a more fluent transaction experience. Led by the briefs description “a modern, ergonomic design with a high tech looking, marketable, and cool appearance”, my design manages to form its own unique identity whilst remaining discreet enough to blend in with its intended working environment.
As a device that will endure heavy daily usage, it is important that the aesthetics don’t scream novelty, rather, convey purity of function. By implementing subtle design features like a chamfered mag stripe entry slot, positioning of labels and discreet LED feedback, the product describes itself, no instructions are needed - the target audience can identify what it is and how to interact with it. I did not feel that the LEDS needed labelling as they can effectively communicate a message by varying frequency and colour (see video for demo of lights)



- The size has been kept to a minimum to reduce material costs and increase portability as it can be used as a handheld device.
- Can be swiped comfortably without any obstructions and is accessible to a variety of devices of different shapes and sizes.
- The stand uses a snap fit mechanism and can be easily removed if the product is needed elsewhere.
- USB port at the rear. It can be charged when mounted on the stand, flat or wall mounted.
- Tri colour LED (power) green for +60%, amber for 30-60%, red for <30%.
- Bluetooth light will pulse when connecting and illuminate when paired.
- The dual colour permit/deny LED uses red and green to provide feedback to the user.
- The PCB remains the same size as the file that was provided and the components are attached to the board itself which fits into the top half injection mould ribs and rests snugly upon the bottom half injection mould to ensure it is secure. Fixed together with (5x)13mm and (1x) 7mm (1.5m diameter) screws the housing is secure.
- To adhere to the briefs description, the wall thickness is 1.5mm, black plastic is used and has a removable battery (via screws). STL files are provided for 3D printing but do not include a number of parts as they would be superfluous for prototyping purposes.

Thanks for the opportunity to participate, I have enjoyed designing the product and have learned a lot from the process.