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Techno
Taugeh


Growing Interaction Design With Bean Sprouts [WIP]

Techno Taugeh is an experimental project that investigates the interaction between humans and a sprouting system through electrical conductivity. By integrating simple circuitry with a container of taugeh (mung bean sprouts), the system allows users to explore touch-based interactions and observe the conductive properties of the sprouting environment. The project highlights the potential for engaging users with living materials in a technological context.

Overview


While taugeh is typically grown as a food product, it can also serve as a medium for experimental interaction. Techno Taugeh explores how humans can engage with living plants through electrical conductivity. The project combines biological materials with basic electronics to create a tangible, interactive experience that encourages curiosity and experimentation.

Materials and Methods


  • Mung Beans (Taugeh): Biological medium for interaction.
  • Microcontroller or Basic Circuit: Detects touch or electrical conductivity.
  • Wires and Electrodes: Facilitate connectivity with the sprouts.
  • Sprouting Container: Holds the beans during the experiment.

Procedure


  1. Prepare the sprouting container and plant mung beans.
  2. Insert electrodes or wires to interface with the sprouts.
  3. Connect the electrodes to a microcontroller or circuit designed to detect touch or electrical conductivity.
  4. Allow participants to interact with the sprouts and observe responses from the circuit.
  5. Document observations of electrical behavior and user interactions for analysis.

Limitations


  • Material Sensitivity: Living sprouts are fragile and may degrade over time, affecting conductivity.
  • Electrical Reliability: Conductivity can vary depending on moisture and density of sprouts, leading to inconsistent responses.
  • Short Duration: Sprouts have a limited lifespan, limiting the experiment’s longevity.
  • User Interaction Variability: Different participants may interact differently, leading to unpredictable circuit responses.
  • Reproducibility: Slight changes in setup or plant condition may yield varying results between trials.

Conclusion


Techno Taugeh illustrates how living materials can be used as interactive elements in experimental electronics. The project fosters curiosity and engagement, allowing participants to explore electrical conductivity in a tangible, playful context. It serves as an example of how technology and biology can intersect to create novel, interactive experiences.