Task 1

Step 1:

The circuit we constructed in the first task makes a sound via the buzzer when the button is pushed. The components accomplish this because power is drawn from the power source, which is plugged into the positive and negative ports of the breadboard, and a current is created giving power to each component. At first, the circuit didn’t work because the way we constructed it was incorrect. We didn’t complete the circuit, there was a problem making sure the jumpers were in the same row as the components. My partner and I solved the problem through trial and error. We worked out the circuit orally, which allowed us to clearly identify where the problem was.

Step 2:

In step 2 we took the same circuit from step 1 and just added an LED and resistor. The problems we had with this step were making sure we interrupted the circuit at an appropriate point so we could add an LED and resistor without disrupting the current. However, the original arrangement of our circuit was too small so it didn’t work well when trying to add more components. We had to rearrange the circuit across the breadboard to fit all of the components. 

Step 3:

Step 3 was significantly harder to figure out how to work because it’s easy to get confused by all of the different connections. For this step, we added a resistor, a potentiometer, and an LED. After several minutes of trial and error, we got the connections almost correct except for the fact that the LED wasn’t on all the time. After connecting the “cardboard switch”, when we would press the switch both LED would flash simultaneously when one of them should flash while the other remains on. We fixed this issue by removing the LED connection from the buzzer to the switch. 

Task 2

In task 2 we used cardboard, copper tape, and wires to build a switch. We took two pieces of cardboard and taped them together like a switch and applied copper tape on the ends so we could solder wires onto the cardboard. 

Task 3

Unfortunately, we didn’t have time during the recitation to test the table next to us. But we did get the entire system to work and were able to send code if needed. The switch was used to send code via sound (with the buzzer) and visually (with the LED). My partner and I accomplished this task through a series of trials and errors. 

Required questions:

1. The function of the resistor is to limit the current going to components, such as an LED, thus preventing it from short-circuiting.
2. Diagram:
3.  I think the circuit we built today includes interactivity since in order for the circuit to complete the tasks we wish of it, such as sending morse code, it requires users to use the system. When we interact with the circuit we are initiating the steps we have our systems set up to do. Without the user, the task could never be completed. So when we interact with the circuit, the circuit becomes reactive to our actions. 
4. interaction design and physical computing can be used to make interactive art by combining the physical aspect of users’ drawings and turning it into interactive through the use of the software. In the past, camera techniques were used to give the illusion of the drawing coming off the paper. But nowadays interaction design and physical computing can be used to create interactive art.