Dr. Clocktopus

Project Objective

Dr. Clocktopus is an innovative alarm clock designed to promote healthier waking habits by encouraging users to physically get out of bed to turn off the alarm. The primary objective of the project is to develop a prototype of Dr. Clocktopus, showcasing its unique features. This project aims to address the common issue of college students’ oversleeping habits by providing a solution that requires physical activity to deactivate the alarm.

Project Background

Dr. Clocktopus was conceptualized as part of NYU’s Prototyping Fund Program, a collaborative program offered by the Design Lab @ NYU Tandon MakerSpace, the Technology Management and Innovation Department, and New York City Future Manufacturing Collective (NYC-FMC) that awards teams of students up to $500 in the first round of funding and up to $2,000 in the second to be used to build prototypes, and connects them with the resources, tools, and mentors they need to bring their ideas to life. The idea stemmed from a common problem that most college students have, oversleeping, and the desire to create a practical solution that promotes better and healthier habits.

Key Features

  1. Off Button Placement: The off button of the alarm is designed as a separate component, so the user will be able to position it anywhere they like. Users will also need to press the off button for a certain amount of time to turn it off.

  2. Customizable Alarms: Users can customize their alarms based on their preferences, including the option to set different wake-up times for weekdays and weekends.

  3. LED Display with Dimming Function: The alarm clock features a bright LED display that shows the time and alarm settings. It includes a dimming function to adjust the display brightness for nighttime use, minimizing glare and disturbances.

  4. Adjustable Volume Settings: Users can adjust the volume of the alarm to their desired level, ensuring it is loud enough to wake them up but not overly disruptive.

Team Members

  • Project Manager and User Researcher: Matahari Herwin (NYU Tandon BS ’22; MS ’24)

  • Developer: Michael Russo (NYU Tandon BS ’20; MS ’22)

  • Stakeholder: NYU MakerSpace faculty

Deliverables

  • User research and analysis

  • Functional prototype of Doctor Clocktopus

  • Code documentation and specifications

  • Test results and user feedback analysis

Constrains

  • Budget: Limited funding available through the Prototyping Fund Program

  • Timeline and schedule: Strict timeline of the program (2,5 months) and busy school schedule

  • Resources: Availability of materials and equipment for prototyping

Assumptions

  • User research and testing will provide valuable insights for refining the design and functionality of Dr. Clocktopus

  • Project team members will collaborate effectively to meet project milestones and deadlines

Risks

  • Technical challenges in implementing the alarm clock mechanism and button placement

  • User acceptance and adoption of Dr. Clocktopus may vary based on individual preferences and habits

  • Limited availability of the 3D printer in the MakerSpace

Project Dependencies

  • Access to prototyping facilities and equipment for building the physical prototype

  • Collaboration between team members during the project timeline

  • Availability of materials to build out the prototype

In Scope

  1. Design and development of the physical prototype of Dr. Clocktopus v1.

  2. Implementation of the alarm clock mechanism with the off button placed at a distance from the bedside.

  3. Integration of customizable alarm settings, including multiple alarm options, adjustable volume settings, and LED display with dimming function.

  4. Testing of the prototype for functionality, durability, and user experience.

  5. Documentation of the design specifications, test results, and user feedback analysis.

  6. Presentation of the final prototype and project outcomes to program mentors and stakeholders.

Out Scope

  1. Implementation of advanced features beyond the scope of the prototype phase.

  2. Integration with external devices or platforms beyond the scope of the initial prototype development.

  3. Physical or aesthetic modifications to the prototype based on individual user preferences.