Throughout this class there will be many opportunities to challenge conventions in making and thinking about new ideas. The first design challenge in this class is to think about the LED. Small, bright, efficient. What can you do with this simple device? Do you work with ONE, or work with MANY?
The main goal for this challenge is to create a small hand-held device (or housing) for an arduino and LED(s). Because LEDs are one of the simplest things to program with an arduino, emphasis on this design challenge will steer away from coding/circuitry at its core, and instead will depend upon:
- Craftsmanship, construction and polish of a housing. This can be made out of wood, organic material, paper, acryclic, etc. The option is up to you whether you prototype your own object from scratch or modify/hack a preexisting thing. Be thoughtful and sensitive about your choice of material and how it pertains to light.
- A solid concept behind your design. Think about the social language & history surrounding light &/or LEDs. Also, consider that what you will make will be one of a kind, portable and (hopefully) out of the ordinary.
Prior to class on Monday of week 2, your challenge is to create a housing for an LED (or LEDs) that is portable, handheld and potentially reactive to a user. We will talk about programming and inputs on Monday, so please have your housing ready to go prior to that discussion.
Here are some local resources to know about:
- Radioshacks - nicely packaged but expensive parts. LED's, battery clips, breadboards, sodlering irons and other assorted parts. (29th Willamette, 11th & Tyinn & other locations)
- Norvac Electronics - more obscure selection of electronic components (10th and Conger)
- NextStep Recycling - technology thrift store and tech recycling hub. Fun to find old parts, components, computers, motors, etc.
- Bring Recycling - great for used construction material (wood, glass, knobs, hinges, windows, all sorts of salvaged building supplies. Glenwood near the Uhaul).
- CrossCut Hardwoods - good for higher quality wood products
- Multicraft Plastic - best selection of acrylic and vinyl in town (across from wandering goat in whiteaker)
- Jerry's Home Improvement - giant but local hardware store. Cheap acrylic (good for laser cutting) and all other hardware.
- Laser Cutter - located in the Lawrence Hall Shop. Signup by the hour. Details HERE.
