Learn

Understand how electronics work and be able to build or fix anything…
through studying Physical Computing!

Spring 2021 I am excited to offer Physical Computing for Arts and Design (VIST H205) at Haverford College with the school of Visual Studies. This lab focused course will be offered as Remote-Learning on Saturdays 1:10p – 4p (170 minutes) from January 30th (Feb 6th) through May 8th.

Students will work remotely, connecting to video based lectures and demonstrations, utilizing specialized kits of electronics components and parts to assemble lab examples. Students are strongly encouraged to experiment and be creative by bringing ideas of electronics devices and interactive projects for their own designs.

Examples of Physical Computing Projects:
Interactive Musical Glove, Plant Moisture Monitor, MIDI Drum Pad, Animated Eye Pumpkin

Course Topics:
Electronic and Circuit Basics, Programming with Arduino, Sensors and Interaction, Prototyping and 3D Printing, Modification Repair and Circuit Bending, Internet of Things, Special Guests!

PreRequisites: Students should have a firm understanding of basic mathematics and algebraic formulas, with exposure to (or strong interest in) computer programming. This is a 200 level course and is offered to students in their 3rd semester or above.

Remote Learning Recommendations:  This course is heavily ‘lab’ driven and this means students will be actively working with their hands while following along with instructor led demonstrations. Students will be required to create a proper workspace where they are able to easy and safely spread out small parts, jumper wires, and be able to view instructions.

  • Desk workspace for working with small parts, wires, and access to USB for power and arduino.  Good lighting is needed to see and read small components. Ensure you can spread out your electronics kit and comfortably interact with your computer.  It is important to keep your kit parts organized, don’t lose small parts, and ensure you can setup and breakdown your Physical Computing workspace for class, homework, and your own exploration.
  • Using a Second Monitor will be very valuable for using the arduino ide, reviewing the many web pages/resources provided, and to clearly view the video streaming content from the instructor.
  • Computer Software: Programming will be explored using the Arduino IDE and a variety of online tools. Students should have a computer on which they are able to install and configure the Arduino IDE. This will require Students to download Arduino software and libraries and performing configuration. The Instructor uses a Macbook and will provide advice and support to students. It will be the responsibility of the Student to manage and perform their own installations on their own computers!
  • Craft making tools such as scissors, box cutter, tape, and glue will be required for constructing some paper-craft projects and prototyping labs.

Warnings:

  1. Technical concepts from a wide range of technologies will be explored involving jargon, terminology, and code; students must be prepared to take notes, ask questions, and perform their own research.
  2. Coding can be painful; perseverance, patience, and attention to detail is critical. Always be prepared to ‘restart from scratch’ when things aren’t working as expected. And once you get your code to work, start from scratch and try building it in a different way!
  3. Tiny parts in electronics are easy to lose and hard to see, a dropped part can easily be lost forever. Be careful, dexterous, and maintain an open clear workspace.
  4. Installing Arduino IDE is easy, but its’ configuration is always one of the hardest hurdles for students. Be prepared to watch/read tutorials in order to maintain your libraries and board definitions!