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, approach, touch, 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 interaction and the technical possibilities of realising them through functional prototypes. In particular, students learn the areas of electronics, microcontroller programming, sensors and actuators.
Groups:
Students will work together as teams of up to 3 people.
Topic 2018: Kraftwerk im Zauberwald
This year, students work will be exhibited in Zauberwald in a collective installation. The installation covers the topic of Energy Production and will combine outcomes from Physical Computing and Interactive Visualisation. In the Physical Computing module, students will develop an input device, that will later be used to control a visualisation developed in the Interactive Visualisation module.
Each input device will be themed on a "Kraftwerk" relating to an energy source in Switzerland, for example nuclear, wind or solar. Students will develop the appearance and function of the Kraftwerk and build in sensors to allow various forms of interactions from visitors to be fed into the Visualiser.
Guidelines for Object:
- 400*400mm?
- Robust
- Construction only with raw MDF (4mm) or plexiglass
- Designs/3D model of the object must also be submitted
References and Links:
https://www.ewz.ch/de/ueber-ewz/unternehmen/energieproduktion.html#Kehricht
Schedule:
W1 | Tuesday 9.10 | Wednesday 10.10 | Thursday 11.10 | Friday 12.10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Teacher | ||||
| Morning | Kick-off | Electronic Basics | Electronic Basics | Electronic Basics |
| Afternoon | Electronic Basics | Electronic Basics | Electronic Basics | Electronic Basics |
W2 | Tuesday 16.10 | Wednesday 17.10 | Thursday 18.10 | Friday 19.10 |
| Teacher | ||||
| Morning | Electronic Basics | Electronic Basics | Main Project Introduction | Concept Ideation |
| Afternoon | Electronic Basics | Electronic Basics | Concept Ideation | Concept Presentation |
W3 | Tuesday 23.10 | Wednesday 24.10 | Thursday 25.10 | Friday 26.10 |
| Teacher | ||||
| Morning | Mentoring | Prototyping | Prototyping | Prototype Iterations and findings presentation |
| Afternoon | Prototyping | Prototyping | Prototyping | Mentoring |
W4 | Tuesday 30.10 | Wednesday 31.10 | Thursday 01.11 | Friday 02.11 |
| Teacher | ||||
| Morning | Build | Build | Build | Clean-up/Documentation |
| Afternoon | Mentoring | Build | Final Presentation 15:00 to 16:00 | Documentation |
Morning: 09:00 - 12:00 Uhr
Afternoon: 13:00 - 16:00 Uhr