In this week’s recitation, we were given our Arduino Kit for the first time, and used it to build 3 circuits; Fade, toneMelody, and Speed Game. We also set up tour Tinkercad account in order to access the circuit design of the speed game race. 

Materials:

• From Arduino Kit:

1 * Arduino Uno

1 * USB A to B cable

1 * breadboard

1 * buzzer

2 * LEDs

2 * 220 ohm resistors

2 * 10K ohm resistors

2 * pushbuttons

A handful of jumper cables

• From cart:

2 * arcade buttons

1 * Multimeter 

Circuit 1: Fade

IMG_6232

Circuit 2: toneMelody

Circuit 3: Speed Game

Reflection:

While building the circuits, I had initial problems with my arduino kit. As the programme in my computer wasn’t able to detect my arduino board due to a faulty system in the cable. Therefore, that took up some time in my recitation until I could fix it along with the ima assistants that were helping me. Nevertheless, I was able to build successfully the Fade and toneMelody circuits on my own, and to be able to complete the third circuit, due to time limitations I was only able to assist my partner, as she was already ahead making the speed game.  

QUESTION 1:

Technology is an aspect of our everyday life that surrounds us in means that we may not even think of. Everything from communication, up until the algorithms used to create those devices, are part of a complex technological web that is prevalent in our society. The presence of this new technological era increases each day, as it doesn’t only serve to facilitate essential aspects in life such as having light, but it also helps entertain us through our interests in music, and even keeps us occupied with games.

With the circuits we’ve built in the recitation, I have learned the means through which these technological advancements are executed, or at least how it’s electrical base is initially programmed and configured on the bread board. After experimenting first hand with these circuits successfully, and analyzing the text of “Physical Computing” along with its idea of making “computers for the rest of you”, the definition of interaction has become a lot clearer. In fact, now I can address how the concept of interactivity is in fact a two way road. Meaning that, for interaction to actually occur between two subjects, there needs to be a reaction in response to the original action. For example, while explaining the toneMelody circuit made in this recitation in simple terms; the action of uploading the programme with the code to the breadboard, resulted in the buzzer responding with sound, hence indulging interactivity. 

QUESTION 2:

I would think that we used the 10K resistor with the push button to protect the circuit and prevent it from blowing up, as its resistance is low. 

QUESTION 3:

If I had 100,000 LEDs of any brightness and color at my disposal, I would make some instrument that detects music notes based on colors, that way people with hearing disabilities could know how to play music even if they physically cannot listen to it.

Materials:

• 1 * Breadboard
• 1 * LM7805 Voltage Regulator
• 1 * Buzzer
• 1 * Push-Button Switch
• 1 * Arcade Button
• 1 * 220 ohm Resistor
• 1 * 10K ohm Resistor
• 1 * 10K ohm Variable Resistor (Potentiometer)
• 1 * LED
• 1 * 100 nF (0.1uF) Capacitor
• 1 * 12 volt power supply
• 1 * Barrel Jack
• 1 * Multimeter
• Several Jumper Cables (Hook-up Wires)

Circuit 1: Door Bell

Parts: 

• Breadboard: Provides a base for the connections in a circuit
• LM7805 Voltage regulator: Controls voltage, allowing for consistent output
• Switch: When pressed, connects the circuit to allow power to reach the speaker
• Speaker: Vibrates, creating a sound, with the introduction of electric current
• Jumper cables: Provide connections for the circuit
• Barrel jack: Connects power supply to outlet
• 100 nF (0.1uF) Capacitor: Stores (and helps regulate) electric energy
• 12 Volt Power Supply: Provides power source

 

Circuit 2: Lamp 

Parts:

• 20 ohm Resistor: Reduces current flow
• LED: Emits light with electric current
• Multimeter: Used to measure resistance

Circuit 3: Dimmable Lamp

Parts:

• 10K ohm Variable Resistor (Potentiometer): Allows for interaction, with a turn of the dial adjusting the strength of the electric current

Reflection:

For my first lab assignment, my partner Megan and I were exploring this concept of interactivity, for which we completed two tasks that were assigned. The first one, consisted in building three circuits that enabled a door bell, LED lamp, and LED dimmable lamp. Along with it, the second one had to do with switching the circuits’ push button with an arcade button that we recently soldered.

The first task we actually completed, was the soldering workshop, in which we didn’t have many problems, even though it was the first time both Megan and me had done it. However, we did experience hardship knowing if we had put enough iron in the metal for it to be soldered completely or correctly, and for that we just checked in with the professor.

Regarding electric circuit building, we first read all the material in the recitation instructions, to familiarize ourselves with the components and its diagrams, however regardless of mildly understanding the graph on its own, we struggled figuring out how it related to the breadboard, and where we should even start assembling it. Nevertheless, to solve this issue we asked for help from one of the Learning Assistant’s, and were able to understand a lot better what we had to do, as well as managed to successfully complete the doorbell and lamp circuits.

For the final step, we were actually waiting to finish the dimmable lamp circuit in order to switch the press button with the arcade button we had recently soldered. However, we had much more complications with that last circuit; as even though we were able to build the circuit in the breadboard, it became difficult to actually get the dimmable lamp to work in the time provided. 

QUESTION 1

As described in the reading, “The Art of Interactivity”, the term ‘interactivity’ itself could be defined as “the cyclic process in which two actors alternately listen, think, and speak”. Nevertheless, the extent to which this procedure occurs, is given in different “degrees” of interactivity produced between the subjects and their actions. 

QUESTION 2

As an Art admirer, I would consider that Interaction Design and Physical Computing are greatly intertwined and could be used to create many different types of Interactive Art, not only just for artists, but also for viewers.  Such as the case of Zack Lieberman, who created the EyeWriter, a machine that allows graffiti artists to draw with their eyes, other objects could be created to enable inclusion for people of disabilities not only just to create art, but also to view art through different eyes. For example, something regarding hearing or touch could be included in interactive art exhibitions, so that sight impurity does not prevent a person from admiring an artwork.