Interaction Design Wiki ･ Physical Computing

Physical Computing HS2020


Image credit:  Andy Kirk, Andreas Fürer, Sonjoi Nielsen 2019

Lecturers: Luke Franzke & Florian Bruggisser

Course Overview

In this course, we will look at physical computing as a method of interaction design. Our definition of Physical Computing refers to the use of hardware and software to make interactive objects that can respond to events in the real world. These events may be general knowledge about the environment (temperature, brightness, etc.) or user interactions (keystroke, motion, speech, etc.). These devices might respond with direct feedback through displays or actuators, or by performing actions in a digital environment. The challenge of physical computing is to make the interface between human and machine as simple and intuitive as possible by taking physical human abilities and habits into account.

Course Goals

The students learn how to handle hardware and software in order to prototype their own ideas. The students develop an understanding of the characteristics of physical interactions and demonstrate them through functional prototypes. From a technical perspective, students learn the basics of electronics, microcontroller programming (Arduino), working with digital and analogue sensors and actuators.

Course Structure

The course takes place in two separate blocks: Physical Computing Basics in the first two weeks and the Main Project in the last two weeks. In the first block, students will work individually through the introductory topics, while the Main Project is in groups of two to three students. 

Personal Material

Please bring your personal computer and project box for all classes and zoom sessions. If you have a newer MacBook with USB C, bring an adapter to work with standard USB cables. A personal notebook is also recommended. 

Expectations and Grading

Grades will be based on group presentations, class participation, home assignments, documentation and final work. An attendance of min. 80% is required to pass the course.

Individual Work (40%) 

  1. Workbook documentation of all exercises and minor projects from weeks 1 and 2 and Bits and Atoms III. 
  2. Presentation of Minor Project.

Group Work (60%)

  1. Final Prototype of Object
  2. Final Presentation
  3. Standard IAD Documentation 
    • Video (Making of, Final Prototype)
    • Image selection
    • Short Documentation (PDF)

Final Presentation notes:

  1. Project Brief 2020
  2. Project box 2020
  3. Exercises 2020
  4. Physical Computing Resources
  5. Physical Computing Lab - Sensors

Topic 2020: Empathetic Machines: 


Can interactions between human and machines be more effective if we can empathise with the device because of it's anthropomorphic behaviour? Can such devices, in turn, empathise with us? We are social animals, and a large portion of our brain is dedicated to social tasks, from recognising emotions to predicting the thoughts and intentions of other humans and creatures. It, therefore, makes sense that we utilise these capabilities when designing interactions. 
But how might everyday interactive devices be improved by anthropomorphic characteristics? Would we be more likely to partake in sustainable consumption of electronics if devices were more sympathetic? This year's Physical Computing project will attempt to answer some of these questions while drawing inspiration from robotics to physically prototype interactive devices with empathetic qualities and anthropomorphic behaviours. 

Distinctly non-human forms can be highly evocative of human qualities, and basic geometric forms can convey agency and complex behaviours through motion alone (Heider and Simmel 1944). For this reason, we will focus on primitive forms with expressive behaviour through motion, using simple electromechanical actuators, in combination with sensors and microcontrollers. 

2020 Topics Readings


Schedule

Morning: 09:00 - 12:00,  Afternoon: 13:30 - 17:00

W1

Tuesday 06.10 

Wednesday 07.10

Thursday 08.10 

Friday 09.10 

Morning


(ZT 3.K13)

Lecture:

Inputs_Day_1.pdf

(LF FB)

  • Voltage Divider
  • Light sensor

(ZT 4.T30)

Lecture:

Arduino & Processing (Slides)

(remote)

Individual Minor Project (sensing) 

(remote)

Individual Minor Project (sensing)

Afternoon


(ZT 3.K13)

Lecture:

(ZT 4.T30)

Lecture:

Individual Minor Project introduction 

15:00 Bits and Atoms (zoom)

Guest Lecturer: Moritz Kemper of Phoenix Design

(remote)

Individual Minor Project (sensing)

(remote)

Individual Minor Project (sensing)

Optional: Visit HEK exhibition in Basel


W2

Tuesday 13.10 

Wednesday 14.10

Thursday 15.10 

Friday 16.10

Morning


(4.T06)

(LF, FB)

Exchange round on Individual Minor Project

Lecture: (FB)

  • Neo Pixels

(4.K14)

(LF)

Lecture:


(remote)

Individual Minor Project (inputs and outputs)

(4.T33) 

Individual Minor Project Presentation

(9:00 - 10:00)

Cleanup and documentation



Afternoon


(4.T06)

(FB)

Lecture:



(5.T04)

Lecture:

  • Soldering
  • Individual Minor Project Start (inputs and outputs)


15:00 Bits and Atoms (data vis)

(remote)

Individual Minor Project (inputs and outputs)

(4.T33)

Main Project Kickoff (14:00 - 15:00) 

Group forming and ideation


W3

Tuesday 20.10 

Wednesday 21.10 

Thursday 22.10 

Friday 23.10 

Morning 


(5.T04)

Design Concept Presentation

Group Mentoring

(5.T04)

Lecture:

Networking & Computer Vision

(remote)

Prototyping

(remote)

Prototyping 

Afternoon

Prototyping

(remote)

Prototyping

15:00 Bits and Atoms (data vis)

(remote)

Prototyping


(Atelier) Mentoring 

W4

Tuesday 27.10

Wednesday 28.10 

Thursday 29.10 

Friday 30.10 

Morning 


(Atelier)

Mentoring 

(remote)

Prototyping

(5.K07) Setup Final Presentation  

(5.K07) Documentation 

Feedback via Zoom (10:00)

Afternoon


(Atelier)

Mentoring 

(Atelier)

Mentoring


(5.K07)

13:00  Final Presentation 

15:00 Bits and Atoms  (data vis)

(5.K07) Documentation

Returning project boxes 

Optional Inputs 

Groups

  1. Group 1
    1. Gian-Carlo
    2. Aathmigan
    3. Miriam Mai
    4. Andreas
  2. Group 2
    1. Celina
    2. Alec
    3. Ramona
    4. Nicola
  3. Group 3
    1. Kimon
    2. Daniela
    3. Baran
  4. Group 4
    1. Nemo
    2. Alessia
    3. David
  5. Group 5
    1. Sonia
    2. Kilian
    3. Paulina





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