Minor Project
24/9/2025 - 31/12/2025 / (Week 1 - Week 14)
An Hongzheng / 0378415
Minor Project / Final Compilation & Reflection
Bachelor of Design (Hons) in Creative Media
TABLE OF CONTENT
1. Instructions
2. Progress Work
3. Final Compilation
4. Feedback
5. Reflection
INSTRUCTIONS
Figure 1.1.1: Module Information
Progress Work
WEEK 1 &WEEK 2Team Formation & Project Selection
Group Work: We formed Group 21 with 6 members from different specializations (UI/UX, Graphic Design, Entertainment Design)
My Work: I participated in team discussions to define our direction, agreeing to focus on the Baby Boomer generation as our target users
WEEK 3
Client Brief & Research
Group Work: We held our first client meeting to understand the project requirements
My Work: I analyzed existing robot designs in the market to understand current trends in companion robots while the team focused on literature reviews.
WEEK 4Interview Preparation
Group Work: Under Dr. Wong's guidance, the team drafted and refined interview questions for elderly users and caregivers
My Work: I assisted in reviewing the questions to ensure we could gather insights relevant to the robot's physical design and interactivity.
WEEK 5Data Collection
Group Work: The team split into groups to interview participants (Baby Boomers and Caregivers)
My Work: I conducted my assigned interviews and helped transcribe the data for analysis.
WEEK 6
Synthesis & Affinity Mapping
Group Work: We created an Affinity Diagram to categorize findings into themes like loneliness, digital literacy, and relationships
My Work: I participated in the synthesis session, helping the team conclude that the elderly prefer a "warm" companion rather than a cold machine
WEEK 7Ideation (Crazy 8's) & Selection
Group Work: We used the "Crazy 8's" method to brainstorm ideas
My Work: I sketched 8 design variations. Outcome: My design concepts were not selected by the group. The team voted unanimously to proceed with a "rabbit/pet-like" robot concept drawn by a teammate
WEEK 8Low-Fidelity Prototyping
Group Work: The team created the first low-fidelity prototype based on the selected "Crazy 8's" results
My Work: I participated in the brainstorming session to refine the functions of the chosen design, such as its ability to listen to music or offer massage services
WEEK 9
Proposal PresentationGroup Work: We presented our proposal to Dr. Izian. The client feedback indicated the robot needed to be more useful (USP) and "lovable" for the elderly
My Work: I took note of the feedback regarding the robot's appearance, specifically the need to avoid a "scary" or overly machine-like look.
WEEK 10Concept Refinement
Group Work: Based on feedback, we redesigned the robot to look "cute, chubby, and kid-like" and added clothing elements
My Work: I began preparing for the transition from 2D to 3D. I analyzed the new character design to plan the 3D modeling process, ensuring the "chubby" aesthetic would translate well into a three-dimensional form.
WEEK 113D Modeling Implementation
Group Work: The team finalized the robot's features and conducted concept testing
My Work (Core Contribution): This week, I took on the main responsibility for 3D production (collaborating with Tianyao)
WEEK 12
High-Fidelity Rendering & Rigging
Group Work: Other members focused on packaging graphic design and the App UI
My Work (Core Contribution): I continued refining the 3D model. I worked on the High-Fidelity renderings and created the 3D assets required for the packaging design
WEEK 13Feature Update (The Vacuum Compartment)
Group Work: To increase utility, the team decided to add a vacuum cleaning function
My Work (Core Contribution): I modified the 3D model to include a detachable vacuum compartment
WEEK 14
Final Animation & Rehearsal
Group Work: We finalized the PPT and rehearsed for the final presentation
My Work (Core Contribution): I produced the final animation and introduction video
WEEK 15Final Presentation
Group Work: We presented the final product to Dr. Izian and received positive feedback on the solution
My Work: I compiled all 3D assets and render files for the final submission.
Team Formation & Project Selection
Group Work: We formed Group 21 with 6 members from different specializations (UI/UX, Graphic Design, Entertainment Design)
. We selected the "Social AI Robot" project under our client, Associate Professor Dr. Izian Idris . My Work: I participated in team discussions to define our direction, agreeing to focus on the Baby Boomer generation as our target users
.
Group Work: We held our first client meeting to understand the project requirements
. The team conducted desktop research regarding the loneliness faced by Baby Boomers . My Work: I analyzed existing robot designs in the market to understand current trends in companion robots while the team focused on literature reviews.
Interview Preparation
Group Work: Under Dr. Wong's guidance, the team drafted and refined interview questions for elderly users and caregivers
. My Work: I assisted in reviewing the questions to ensure we could gather insights relevant to the robot's physical design and interactivity.
Data Collection
Group Work: The team split into groups to interview participants (Baby Boomers and Caregivers)
. My Work: I conducted my assigned interviews and helped transcribe the data for analysis.
Group Work: We created an Affinity Diagram to categorize findings into themes like loneliness, digital literacy, and relationships
. My Work: I participated in the synthesis session, helping the team conclude that the elderly prefer a "warm" companion rather than a cold machine
.
Ideation (Crazy 8's) & Selection
Group Work: We used the "Crazy 8's" method to brainstorm ideas
. We compiled all sketches and voted on the final direction . My Work: I sketched 8 design variations. Outcome: My design concepts were not selected by the group. The team voted unanimously to proceed with a "rabbit/pet-like" robot concept drawn by a teammate
. I fully supported this decision and shifted my focus to how I could support this concept through 3D realization later.
Low-Fidelity Prototyping
Group Work: The team created the first low-fidelity prototype based on the selected "Crazy 8's" results
. My Work: I participated in the brainstorming session to refine the functions of the chosen design, such as its ability to listen to music or offer massage services
.
Group Work: We presented our proposal to Dr. Izian. The client feedback indicated the robot needed to be more useful (USP) and "lovable" for the elderly
. My Work: I took note of the feedback regarding the robot's appearance, specifically the need to avoid a "scary" or overly machine-like look.
Concept Refinement
Group Work: Based on feedback, we redesigned the robot to look "cute, chubby, and kid-like" and added clothing elements
. My Work: I began preparing for the transition from 2D to 3D. I analyzed the new character design to plan the 3D modeling process, ensuring the "chubby" aesthetic would translate well into a three-dimensional form.
3D Modeling Implementation
Group Work: The team finalized the robot's features and conducted concept testing
. My Work (Core Contribution): This week, I took on the main responsibility for 3D production (collaborating with Tianyao)
. I transformed the 2D concept into a 3D model, focusing on constructing the rounded body shape and the telescopic arms/legs to ensure they looked functional yet friendly .
Group Work: Other members focused on packaging graphic design and the App UI
. My Work (Core Contribution): I continued refining the 3D model. I worked on the High-Fidelity renderings and created the 3D assets required for the packaging design
. I also handled the rigging to allow the robot to pose for the promotional materials.
Feature Update (The Vacuum Compartment)
Group Work: To increase utility, the team decided to add a vacuum cleaning function
. My Work (Core Contribution): I modified the 3D model to include a detachable vacuum compartment
. I modeled the mechanics of how the vacuum attaches to the robot's hand, ensuring the design remained sleek and consistent with the "cute" aesthetic.
Group Work: We finalized the PPT and rehearsed for the final presentation
. My Work (Core Contribution): I produced the final animation and introduction video
. This involved animating the robot's self-introduction, demonstrating the vacuum function, and showcasing the flexible limb movements . I ensured the animation highlighted the "human-like" personality we aimed for.
Final Presentation
Group Work: We presented the final product to Dr. Izian and received positive feedback on the solution
. My Work: I compiled all 3D assets and render files for the final submission.
Final Compilation
 |
YAOYAO 2D VISUAL |
 |
YAOYAO 3D MODEL Render |
YAOYAO 3D MODEL Turnable Demonstration Video
 |
YAOYAO 3D VACUUM COMPARTMENT |
Feedback
Week 3: Defining the Scope
Key Feedback: The feedback emphasized not "jumping into AI robot" solutions immediately
. Instead, we needed to first investigate the concept of "companionship" and what kind of object the elderly would actually want to accompany them . We also needed to refine our focus group criteria . Relevance to My Role: This feedback meant avoiding overly mechanical or "sci-fi" aesthetics in the early brainstorming phase. The focus had to be on "friendliness" rather than "technology."
Week 4: Interview Preparation
Key Feedback: We were instructed to revise the inclusion/exclusion criteria and explore questions specifically for baby boomers
. Relevance to My Role: While the team focused on the questions, I needed to look out for answers regarding physical preferences (e.g., "What would you like to accompany you?"
) to inform the future character design.
Week 5-6: Data Processing & Visuals
Key Feedback: When presenting the Design Thinking process, we needed to show examples of similar past projects, including their strengths and weaknesses
. For the interview videos, we were strictly required to blur faces and omit personal information . Relevance to My Role: I needed to assist in analyzing the visual "pros and cons" of competitor robots and ensure all visual assets used in the presentation complied with privacy standards.
Phase 2: Concept Pivot (Week 7 - 10)
Week 9: The "Human-like" Directive
Key Feedback: The client and lecturers highlighted that the robot must align with elderly preferences, specifically requiring a "human-like" quality
. It is important that the elderly do not feel like they are just talking to a cold machine . Relevance to My Role (Design Pivot): This was a critical directive for the visual development. The initial mechanical concepts were too cold; the 3D model required a softer, more organic approach to bridge the "uncanny valley."
Week 10: Refining the Character
Key Feedback: While the team pivoted to a "rabbit/pet" concept
, the feedback suggested that a "child's face" would make the elderly feel more friendly and comfortable . Additionally, it was suggested that the robot should "wear clothes" to be easier to accept . Relevance to My Role (Modeling Instructions): This defined my specific 3D modeling tasks: I needed to sculpt a round, child-like face and model specific clothing assets (like a raincoat or hat) rather than just a metal shell.
Phase 3: 3D Production & Polish (Week 11 - 15)
Week 11: Feature Visualization
Key Feedback: We were asked to create an animation to demonstrate exactly what the robot can do
. Regarding the robot's structure, the feedback prompted the addition of extension parts to the hands and feet to make helping with household chores more convenient . Relevance to My Role (Core Task): This required me to adjust the 3D rig to include telescopic limbs and to produce the animation showing these mechanics in action.
Week 12: Animation Clarity
Key Feedback: The content of the animation needed to be fixed to be clearer for the elderly audience
. Relevance to My Role: I had to refine the camera angles and pacing of the animation to ensure the functions (like the vacuum cleaning) were instantly recognizable.
Week 14-15: Final Review & Budget
Key Feedback: The client found the project "well done"
. However, for the final submission, we were asked to provide a detailed breakdown of the budget (price per item) rather than a lump sum . Relevance to My Role: I needed to provide the team with the estimated manufacturing costs for the specific 3D parts (shell materials, 3D printing costs) to ensure the "Unique Selling Point" price comparison was accurate
.
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