Rapid prototyping Google Glass - Tom Chi

Summary

Tom Chi shares insights into rapid prototyping at Google X, where projects like self-driving cars and Google Glass were developed. He emphasizes the importance of quick, hands-on experimentation, highlighting examples like creating a prototype of Google Glass in a day and an innovative hand-controlled system in 45 minutes. Through these examples, Chi demonstrates the value of 'doing' as a form of thinking, allowing for faster learning and problem-solving. He contrasts traditional 'book learning' with 'expansive learning,' which pushes the boundaries of human knowledge, encouraging everyone to innovate and create.

Takeaways

• 🛠️ Tom Chi spent two years building the user experience team for Google X, working on futuristic projects like self-driving cars and Google Glass.
• 👓 Google Glass overlays digital elements into the user's vision, allowing them to stay present in the real world while accessing digital information.
• ⚡ The first prototype of Google Glass was built in just one day using simple materials like a coat hanger, plexiglass, and a pico projector.
• ✋ To control the device without traditional input methods like a mouse or keyboard, Chi's team prototyped a hand-controlled interface inspired by Minority Report in 45 minutes.
• 🎣 The hand-controlled interface was made using fishing wire, chopsticks, hairbands, and a presentation clicker, allowing users to navigate digital content by hand gestures.
• 🧐 Rapid prototyping reveals critical insights about ergonomics and social interactions, such as how awkward it would be to interact with software this way.
• 🔧 Experimenting with materials like modeling wire, clay, and paper helped the team discover that the weight of glasses is mostly perceived through the nose, and distributing weight to the ears can reduce discomfort.
• 🎓 Chi distinguishes between 'book learning,' which is knowledge humanity already knows, and 'expansive learning,' which involves creating something new and expanding human knowledge.
• 💡 Expansive learning is not just for scientists but also for artists, entrepreneurs, and anyone willing to explore new ideas and possibilities.
• 🚀 Rapid prototyping enables quick learning and innovation, helping teams like Chi's discover new insights about both technology and human comfort.

Q & A

What is Google X and what kind of projects did Tom Chi work on there?

Google X is a division of Google focused on developing futuristic, innovative technologies. Tom Chi worked on projects such as self-driving cars, Google Glass, and other advanced technologies still in development.

What is the purpose of Google Glass according to Tom Chi?

The purpose of Google Glass is to overlay digital information into the user's vision while allowing them to remain part of the physical world. This contrasts with using smartphones, where the user is immersed in a separate digital environment.

How long did it take Tom Chi and his team to create the first prototype of Google Glass, and what materials did they use?

It took them just one day to create the first working prototype of Google Glass. The prototype was made using simple materials like a coat hanger, a piece of plexiglass, and a pico projector connected to a Netbook.

How did Tom Chi and his team simulate the 'Minority Report' hand-gesture experience, and how long did it take to create?

They simulated the 'Minority Report' hand-gesture experience using fishing wire, chopsticks, binder clips, and presentation clickers. It took them 45 minutes to build a system where hand movements could control software.

What was the key ergonomic discovery Tom Chi made about wearing glasses?

Tom Chi discovered that the discomfort of wearing glasses is mainly caused by the weight on the nose. By shifting the weight to the back of the ears, which can bear more load, the glasses feel significantly lighter and more comfortable.

What is the second prototyping rule according to Tom Chi, and why is it important?

The second prototyping rule is 'doing is the best kind of thinking.' This emphasizes that hands-on experimentation provides more valuable insights than just theoretical thinking or planning.

What does Tom Chi mean by 'expansive learning,' and how does it differ from 'book learning'?

'Expansive learning' refers to the process of creating new knowledge and insights that expand humanity's understanding, while 'book learning' is about absorbing existing knowledge. Expansive learning involves innovation and discovery, whereas book learning is foundational.

What tools did Tom Chi use to rapidly prototype the design of comfortable glasses, and why?

Tom Chi used basic materials like modeling wire, clay, and paper to quickly prototype the design of comfortable glasses. These materials allowed him to simulate the weight of the electronic components and experiment with different configurations.

Why did Tom Chi and his team decide not to implement the hand-gesture interface in Google Glass?

They decided not to implement the hand-gesture interface due to the social awkwardness and ergonomic issues discovered during prototyping. These problems couldn’t have been predicted without testing the concept through hands-on experimentation.

What is the main lesson Tom Chi emphasizes through his examples of rapid prototyping?

The main lesson is that rapid prototyping allows for quick learning and discovery. Building and testing prototypes, even from simple materials, leads to valuable insights that can’t be gained from just thinking or planning.