Emojikeyboard

A Feedback Collection device

Emoji Keyboard

I designed and built a custom emoji-based input device to collect expressive, multi-option feedback in public settings such as exhibitions and installations. Unlike typical single-choice smiley scales, this device supports a "choose all that apply" (CATA) approach, enabling users to select multiple emojis to convey more nuanced reactions.

My role covered the entire technical development:

Hardware design: I designed all physical components from scratch, manufactured them using 3D printing and laser cutting, and implemented interchangeable emoji caps for flexible use.
Electronics and control: The buttons are built around Cherry MX switches and integrated with addressable NeoPixel LEDs for clear visual feedback. The system runs on a TouchBoard (Arduino Leonardo clone) and communicates with a PC as a standard HID keyboard.
Functionality: Users can toggle emoji selections, reset choices, and submit responses using dedicated buttons. LED backlighting clearly indicates selection states.

The device was piloted in a citizen feedback installation on wind turbine placement in natural landscapes, supported by a real-time 3D visualization built in Unreal Engine. Emojis were selected through an expert workshop to reflect both emotional and cognitive responses, resulting in a curated set of 23 expressive symbols.

This tangible feedback tool offers a playful, intuitive, and rich alternative to traditional surveys, especially in complex topics like just green transition.

V2

After showcasing the original Emojikeyboard in a few conferences, we took notes from the feedback, and I started to work on the second version. The second version is made a bit more robust, by using pre-made buttons and a LED-string. The Arduino was also upgraded to a Rasperry PI, to make the device completely stand-alone, so there is no need for an outside PC anymore. This new version is much easier to build and set-up, the functionality of the buttons is much nicer, it's more robust, and the data collection is easier.