Week 1
Welcome! In this class, we will review the course, meet our materials, and explore major course themes through relevant projects by artists, engineers, and designers.
Week 2
This week you will learn the basics of electricity and circuits. You’ll meet core materials and components, build progressively more complex circuits to learn basic electrical concepts, and practice using a multimeter.
Week 3
Enter Arduino! We will learn how to build a soft switch using conductive textiles, then connect it to Arduino. You’ll write and debug a program that allows you to change an LED’s behavior with your fabric button. Due: Project 1
Week 4
This we’ll learn how to build a custom sensor then connect it to Arduino to read incoming data. We’ll also explore debugging techniques when working with hardware and software. Due: Project 2
Week 5
Now that we’ve covered the fundamentals, we’ll deep dive into Arduino again this week to focus on smoothing input data, building a touch circuit, and practice our sensors connecting to p5.js
Week 6
This week we consider how tools define a practice, then build and implement three temporary and permanent connections including soldering, snaps, pin probes, and more. Due: Project 3
Week 7
This week we will focus on designing and crafting soft, flexible circuit boards. After a short design challenge, we will explore a few techniques for fabrication, then you will select one and build a flexible PCB that connects to Arduino.
Week 8
Continue working on Project 4 and rest.
Week 9
This week we will continue with fabrication and get hands-on with the vinyl cutter and sewing machine. Due: Project 4
Week 10
Turn up the heat! We will learn how to construct a circuit to control high current loads for heating. We will experiment with thermochromic ink through painting and screen printing techniques.
Week 11
This week we will explore sound. You will construct fabric speakers using handmade and digital techniques, the learn how to connect them to various sound outputs. Due: Project 5 (Update: Project 5 is due April 9)
Week 12
We will use our high load circuit to make things move. We will practice connecting SMAs (Flexinol) to our circuit and get an introduction to DIY motors with flip dots. You will also receive your final project brief.
Week 13
In preparation for your final, we will discuss considerations for designing a soft interactive system, revisit sensor creation, explore different boards, and examine power supply options. Due: Project 6
Week 14
Come prepared to share out your final project proposal in small groups. You will give and receive feedback focused on project scope, conceptual strength, and technical implementation.
Week 15
This week, we’ll have studio time for you to work on and debug your final project.
Week 16
Final share out and class wrap up!