Update

I finally seem to recall that I should also be posting updates on how the class is going in addition to my thoughts about various interfaces. We have finished a few simple homework assignments, a project, and part of a second project. The homeworks have mostly focused on using Windows Presentation Foundation. We've covered the basics of XAML and building basic backend C# code to interact with the UI elements.

The first project tracked the movement of a WiiMote by recording accelerometer values. We extracted the readings into Excel to visualize the results of different movements. We weren't required to do much else, but we became much more familiar with the WiiMote library and how to get the information we need out of the devices. I also realized how difficult it is to have the program "recognize" certain motions, like a throw. It is easy enough to tell that the controller is moving quickly, but it's certainly not easy to tell how it is being thrown (overhand, sidearm, twisted, etc).

The second project is a stroke-rehabilitation program that allows a doctor and patient to see how well the patient is able to maintain balance while getting up from a sitting position or simply maintaining a standing position. We use the Wii Balance Board to determine the patients center of gravity. We are designing an intuitive and appealing way to view the information during the test as well as a way to record the test for later review.