Physical Computing HS2018

Lecturers: Joël Gähwiler, Luke Franzke

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 (Arduino), sensors and actuators.

In the first 1 and a half weeks the students will work alone through the introductory part. In the second part they will form groups of up to 3 people for the final project.

Topic: 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. More information on the project can be found here.

Each input device will be themed on a "Kraftwerk" relating to an energy source in Switzerland, for example water, 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 the object: 

• 400*400mm?
• Robust, Waterproof and resistant in below zero environments
• Construction only with raw MDF (4mm) or plexiglass
• Easily reproducible (CAD drawings, schematics, etc)

Deliverables

Individual

• Scans of Notebook (PDF)

Group

• Final Prototype of Object
• Plans for Final Object
  • Drawings (CAD?)
  • Schematics & Board Layout (Eagle)
  • Material List (Spreadsheet)
• Final Presentation
• Standard IAD Documentation
  • Video (Making of, Final Prototype)
  • Short Documentation (PDF)

Expectations and Grading

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

• Individual Documentation (30%)
• Group Work (70%)

References and Links

• Projektbox
• Linksammlung
• Projektsammlung
• Literatursammlung

Schedule