Sticky Nodes
Empower your creativity with Sticky Nodes – an AI-driven tool that tackles the tedious, repetitive tasks, so you can focus on the artistry that truly matters. The sticky nodes observe how you work, identify repetitive tasks to optimize, and do them exactly as you would do them.
3D Modelling (Rhino)
Rendering (Keyshot)
Rapid Prototyping
Usability Testing
Digital Sketching/Rendering
Branding
Modelmaking
UI Design
Soft Goods
Programming
Electronics (Raspberry Pi)
2024
With the help of:
Ron Bhowmik - Metalwork
Diego Granada - UI Programming
Emma Wosje - Soft Goods Assistance
"The AI Workflow"
With the rise of AI, many creatives believe they need to change the way they work to embrace it. In reality, it should be the opposite—AI should adapt to your workflow, not the other way around, embracing how you do things, maintaining your creative identity, and allowing you to do things your way, as you usually do them.
AI For Creatives Should:
"The tool user, provided the tool is made well, need not, and indeed should not, know anything about the tool"
- Peter F. Drucker
The Sticky Nodes
The Sticky Nodes propose a new integration to the creative's workflow by using AI large action models (LAM) to passively observe and train the AI on their current workflow, and find ways to optimize the tedious and repetitive parts, all while creating a seamless integration to their existing workflow replicating a common tool many creatives already use: the sticky note.
Meet The Nodes
Think about it as home base. The Base node is in charge of training the AI, handling all of your tasks, sending them to the task nodes, and charging both itself, and the task nodes wirelessly when put side by side. It also holds the pen in the back, making sure it is easily accessible when you need it.
Base Node
Task Node
For when you want to take your workflow on the go, the task node is your portable companion. It is in charge of storing the saved tasks you assign to it, and executing them, even when away from the base node. It also doubles down as a digital sticky note, allowing you to add, delete, and scroll through all of your notes on the e-ink screen.
Thoroughly Refined for an Optimum User Experience
The task node, as the main touch point with the user, was constantly tested and refined to ensure proper ergonomics, viewing angles and soft touchpoints.
The Birth of an Idea
After extensive research, ideation, and feedback, the first version of the sticky nodes was proposed. This version was the first exploration of triangular-shaped stackable nodes connected through magnets on the sides.
Embracing the Sticky Note
After acknowledging the sticky note as a way to seamlessly integrate the nodes into the workflow, the screen sizes were tested multiple times to find the optimal sticky node screen size. First instances of how the it was held were observed.
Defining the Shape
The shape was adjusted to how it was being held, and explorations on CMF began. The top touch bar was introduced as a way of interaction. Initial explorations on color and the UI began with orange based on current trends.
Refining the Shape
To further optimize the ergonomics of the sticky nodes, multiple prototypes with different angles were tested. The final angles were defined based on user feedback on comfort, ergonomics, stability, and visual appeal.
Tactile Beauty
Once all the parameters for the form had been defined, the shape was then further refined, ensuring every surface flowed seamlessly into each other, creating soft touch points, and sculpting its interactions not only with the user, but its environment.
Ready for Assembly
With the body ready, the final adjustments were made to ensure proper manufacturability and prototype assembly. All pieces were then printed in the final colors: transformative teal and jelly mint selected in order to adjust to future trends, given the product's future focus.
Final Prototype
The final prototype was then assembled. After testing multiple fabrics, the final fabric for upholstery was dyed and upholstered onto the sticky nodes. The UI was also finalized, simulating the experience of browsing through a stack of sticky notes.
Hover over the dots to learn more about its evolution!
So... How Does it Work?
1
You write a sticky node reminder for what you want to work on today
2
Later in the day, you connect your camera to the computer to start working on it
3
Proposed Tasks To Optimize By The AI
The AI recognizes you have connected the camera, and because it has already observed you doing it previously, it already knows which tasks to optimize, and how to do them your way
Ready for the Next Generation of AI With the NVIDIA Jetson Xavier NX
But the Nodes are Not All...
Hover over the question marks to learn more!
The Pen
Ok, it's not an actual pen exactly, more like a pen cap. Easily and quickly slide any pen or pencil you have on your desk onto this flexible cap, turning it into just the pen you need to write on your task nodes!
The Task Board
The task board is an optional addition to the sticky nodes, allowing you to magnetically attach up to 4 task nodes to it. You can either mount the task board on the wall with the wall bracket, or slide it off the bracket, turn it around, and set it on your desk. The USB-C connection on the side also allows you to charge your task nodes when mounted to make sure they are always ready to go.
