Pins and Needleboxes

I took my experiment further by constructing the needle brush out of thicker wire and sanded down half of the tips. The effect of the thicker wire was that the needles were less 'scratchy' on a whole and sanding down the first half meant that when stroked with the grain the sensation was dulled slightly over the rounded tips. The most notable effect was when going against the grain the round tips did not provide an unpleasant experience, they just seemed to add smooth friction. This sensation surprise many people who commented on it during feedback.

Some interesting points raised during the feedback alongside expected ones. Most people preferred the sanded down needles as the sensation wasn't so harsh. It also gives an unexpected feeling as people expect the needles to be sharp. One person suggested that a change in gradient or frequency of the needles could provide a changing sensation from the simple stroking motion. It was also mentioned that placing the needles in a soft surface then when they are stroked the base would move where pressure is applied. Last but not least it was suggested that I could have the needles coming out of a hedgehog's back.

This simple storyboard shows the how the needlebox can be interacted with. It demonstrates how the box can be customised to provide a range of different experiences. Several flaws still sit with this model, however. I have yet to find a way to lock the angle of the needles to that they aren't shifted out of place when touched. I also discovered that the 'surprise' orientation where one row faces the other way only works if it is the only row that isn't parallel to the others, otherwise it is blocked by the next one behind it. The top edge of the box should also be closer to the adjustment rods to make the maximum angle to which the needles can rest greater.

This is an alternate concept for the needlebox. I came up with this as a substitute for the adjustable one as I have yet to solve many of the design's flaws. This model is complete in its simplicity. It has four pre-set textures that provide different sensations by stroking the desired face of the block against the skin. It is highly functional but restricted. The original idea theoretically allowed the user to customise their experience, enhancing the kinetic interaction with it, and included the sensation of feeling the needles move under pressure. This alternate design  give far less freedom but is easily the most achievable. I do feel the variety of available textures are unique enough to make interaction with the object interesting though.
Over the next week or so I will try to engineer a better needlebox but I may be required to fall back on this block design. We'll find out soon enough.