introduction
The Tower of Hanoi is a classic mathematical puzzle that has intrigued generations of problem solvers. Its elegant simplicity and inherent challenge make it an ideal candidate for re-design. In this case study, we explore how to enhance the user experience, optimize efficiency, and introduce novel features while preserving the puzzle’s core rules.
PROBLEM
The object of the puzzle is to move each of the plurality of disks from a first stack to the opposing stack.
It is an object of this invention to provide a mechanical trait that inherently follows rules of the puzzle.
It is an object of this invention to provide a mechanical trait that inherently follows rules of the puzzle.
Objectives
- User-Centric Approach: We aim to create a more intuitive and engaging Tower of Hanoi experience for users of all ages.
- Visual Appeal: How can we enhance the visual representation of the towers and disks?
- Accessibility: Can we make the puzzle accessible to individuals with varying levels of problem solving background?
aPPROACH
Methodology
Our approach involves a combination of user interface enhancements and thoughtful design choices. By re-imagining the Tower of Hanoi, we hope to inspire curiosity and foster a deeper appreciation for mathematical puzzles.
Design Criteria General:
This reflects the needs and requirements for the Shape Up project.
Site:
Cost target:
Aesthetics:
Geometry:
Physical characteristics:
Performance characteristics:
Inputs:
Outputs:
Built in flaws from processing
Transportation considerations:
Manufacturing considerations:
Installation/set-up errors:
Environmental requirements:
User wants:
User requirements:
Regulatory & licensing considerations:
Meets government regulation:
Ergonomics
A test was conducted to check the size of the rings for the Shape Up.
This image is of the official Choke Tube
Our approach involves a combination of user interface enhancements and thoughtful design choices. By re-imagining the Tower of Hanoi, we hope to inspire curiosity and foster a deeper appreciation for mathematical puzzles.
Design Criteria General:
This reflects the needs and requirements for the Shape Up project.
Site:
- Location: Indoors & Outdoors
- Elevation: Varies
- Temperature: Varies
- Sound level: Varies
- Light Level: Well lit
Cost target:
- Cost of purchase
Aesthetics:
- Style
- Color
- Texture
- Fit and finish
- Appeal to both men and female
Geometry:
- Size, overall dimensions
- Curvature
- Shapes
- Texture
Physical characteristics:
- Weight
- Density
- Color
- Transparency
- Reflectance
- Surface texture
- Hardness
- Impact resistance (Must withstand fall from at least 5 feet)
- Low friction between parts
Performance characteristics:
- Strength
Inputs:
- Energy consumption
- Labor
Outputs:
- Pollution
- Product
Built in flaws from processing
- Poor layer adhesion
- Uncured resin
- Handling or static damage
- Incorrect positioning of parts
Transportation considerations:
- Physical damage to parts
Manufacturing considerations:
- Difficulty of making
- Equipment or manufacturing techniques required to build the invention
- Number of component parts
- Labor requirement
- Means of shipping or delivery
Installation/set-up errors:
- Factory errors
- Customer errors
Environmental requirements:
- Operating temperature range
- Storage temperature range
User wants:
- Water resistance
User requirements:
- Ease of use
- Non chocking hazard
- Ease of learning
- Ease of cleaning
- Incorporates tactile, or visual user feedback (correct positioning)
Regulatory & licensing considerations:
Meets government regulation:
- ASTM F963
Ergonomics
A test was conducted to check the size of the rings for the Shape Up.
This image is of the official Choke Tube
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deliverables
How Is It Different?
The opportunities for discovery. For instance, when the tower is empty, I can place any shape on it and find the fit. However, once the tower contains at least one element, I will only be able to easily find a fit if the pre-existing element is below my current shape's match. If not, I will need to feel below the pre-existing element to discover the match and reset my board.
This challenge, to me, is somewhat reminiscent of the Tower of Hanoi mathematical puzzle. While the Tower of Hanoi problem has rules that must be remembered in our minds while we play, the puzzle has rules that are already encoded into the tactile design. My combination of flexibility and constraints gives learners rich opportunities for both exploration and discovery.
I also really love how the tactile constraints and affordances of the puzzle could be accessible to blind and visually impaired children.
The opportunities for discovery. For instance, when the tower is empty, I can place any shape on it and find the fit. However, once the tower contains at least one element, I will only be able to easily find a fit if the pre-existing element is below my current shape's match. If not, I will need to feel below the pre-existing element to discover the match and reset my board.
This challenge, to me, is somewhat reminiscent of the Tower of Hanoi mathematical puzzle. While the Tower of Hanoi problem has rules that must be remembered in our minds while we play, the puzzle has rules that are already encoded into the tactile design. My combination of flexibility and constraints gives learners rich opportunities for both exploration and discovery.
I also really love how the tactile constraints and affordances of the puzzle could be accessible to blind and visually impaired children.
Part results after the Choke Tube test
Part |
Pass/Fail |
Base |
Pass |
Square Ring |
Pass |
Heart Ring |
Pass |
Star Ring |
Pass |
Circle Ring |
Pass |
Features & Benefits
Base & Shaft
Rings
Material
User Persona and Scenario
Bobby
Scenario:
It’s Friday afternoon and Tom is teaching his visually impaired kindergarten class shapes and textures. His kids are running a wild because a kid’s birthday is today and they had donuts for snack. He quickly is loosening the children’s attention and begins feeling things are out of control. He wants to teach the kids while they play so he can get through his lesson.
User Persona:
Bobby is a 21-year-old college graduate in Atlanta, GA where he studied early childhood education. He lives in an apartment with his recent engaged wife. Tom was born in Brunswick, GA and was raised by two parents who still live in Brunswick. Tom has two younger sisters living at home, Tom enjoys hiking and watching movies. He spends a lot of time watching YouTube videos with his girlfriend when not studying. Tom does work in his dorm but he spends most of the time at his desk
Monica
Scenario:
It’s Friday afternoon and Monica is going to play with her child before going to bed with her husband. She doesn’t own crayons so she pulls out the Shape Up. She feels as if her son understands colors so she wants to teach him shapes. She wants to teach shapes while using what her child already knows.
User Persona:
Monica is a 31-year-old married alumnus of Boston College in Boston, MA where she teaches Psychology lessons. She lives in an apartment complex with her husband. Monica was born in Dallas, TX and was raised by two parents who still live in Dallas. Monica has four younger brothers three living at home, Meagan enjoys sewing and watching soap operas. She spends a lot of time watching Bob Ross videos with her husband when not playing with her son.
Base & Shaft
- Shape
- Identifying and organizing visual information
- Provides registration and fixture location
- Makes device asymmetrical
- Connection between familiar objects
- Basic educational skill
- Color
- Makes distinctions among things
- Learn colors by matching shapes
- Match with rings
- Encourage creative thinking and language
- Texture
- Helps engage child’s natural curiosity
Rings
- Shape
- Basic educational skill
- Connection between familiar objects
- Makes device asymmetrical
- Provides registration and fixture location
- Identifying and organizing visual information
- Color
- Makes distinctions among things
- Learn colors by matching shapes
- Match with shaft
- Encourage creative thinking and language
- Texture
- Helps engage child’s natural curiosity
- Rounded corners
- Sound
- No sound
Material
- Polyvinyl Chloride (PLA)
- Inexpensive
- Impact resistant
- Stain Resilient
- Low combustibility
- Flexibility
- Transparent/opaque
User Persona and Scenario
Bobby
Scenario:
It’s Friday afternoon and Tom is teaching his visually impaired kindergarten class shapes and textures. His kids are running a wild because a kid’s birthday is today and they had donuts for snack. He quickly is loosening the children’s attention and begins feeling things are out of control. He wants to teach the kids while they play so he can get through his lesson.
User Persona:
Bobby is a 21-year-old college graduate in Atlanta, GA where he studied early childhood education. He lives in an apartment with his recent engaged wife. Tom was born in Brunswick, GA and was raised by two parents who still live in Brunswick. Tom has two younger sisters living at home, Tom enjoys hiking and watching movies. He spends a lot of time watching YouTube videos with his girlfriend when not studying. Tom does work in his dorm but he spends most of the time at his desk
Monica
Scenario:
It’s Friday afternoon and Monica is going to play with her child before going to bed with her husband. She doesn’t own crayons so she pulls out the Shape Up. She feels as if her son understands colors so she wants to teach him shapes. She wants to teach shapes while using what her child already knows.
User Persona:
Monica is a 31-year-old married alumnus of Boston College in Boston, MA where she teaches Psychology lessons. She lives in an apartment complex with her husband. Monica was born in Dallas, TX and was raised by two parents who still live in Dallas. Monica has four younger brothers three living at home, Meagan enjoys sewing and watching soap operas. She spends a lot of time watching Bob Ross videos with her husband when not playing with her son.
CONCLUSION
Future Plans
Because I see some parallels between my design and the original Tower of Hanoi, I wonder how my toy might serve as a "microworld" for children to explore deeper concepts in developmentally-appropriate ways. The late computer scientist, Dr. Seymour Papert, defined microworlds as being physical objects that we can play with while familiarizing ourselves with the concepts and ideas that they represent. This play can prepare us for more advanced study, when the time comes. Papert describes these microworlds in great detail in the book MindStorms. I highly recommend it.
Because I see some parallels between my design and the original Tower of Hanoi, I wonder how my toy might serve as a "microworld" for children to explore deeper concepts in developmentally-appropriate ways. The late computer scientist, Dr. Seymour Papert, defined microworlds as being physical objects that we can play with while familiarizing ourselves with the concepts and ideas that they represent. This play can prepare us for more advanced study, when the time comes. Papert describes these microworlds in great detail in the book MindStorms. I highly recommend it.
- Microworlds: http://edutechwiki.unige.ch/en/Microworld
- MindStorms: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mindstorms_(book)