Lecturers: Luke Franzke & Paulina Zybinska
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 code to make interactive objects that can respond to events in the real world. These events may be from the environment (temperature, radiation, etc.) or user interactions (touch, speech, etc.). These devices might respond with direct physical feedback and action or by performing actions in a digital environment. Physical Computing also describes the creative problem-solving process through the use of technological and functional prototypes.
Course Goals
The students learn how to handle hardware and code in order to prototype their own design outcomes. 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, actuators and displays.
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
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 (weeks 1 and 2, and Bits & Atoms III)40%
- Workbook documentation of all exercises and minor projects from weeks 1 and 2 and Bits and Atoms III.
- Presentation of Minor Project.
Group Work (weeks 3 and 4) 60%
- Final Prototype of Object
- Final Presentation
- Standard IAD Documentation
- Video (Making of, Final Prototype)
- Image selection
- Short Documentation (PDF)
Final Presentation notes
- 5 minutes for presentation, and 5 minutes for feedback and discussion
- Show the process that brought you to this outcome
- Live demonstration of your project
Documentation
Documentation includes separate submissions: the individual workbook (all individual exercise), and the group documentation.
Upload your files to:
smb://fileredu.ad.zhdk.ch/DDE/BDE_VIAD/01_ABGABEN/21_HS/Physical_Computing