Course Outline
Physical computing is a human centric approach to the ways in which we bridge the analog and digital worlds. Through a series of hands-on labs that promote quick prototyping and iterative design, students expand their understanding of the relationship between electronics and software and create a variety of working prototypes, kinetic artworks, installations, and physical environments.
Physical Computing is a “hybrid” course. Hybrid means that students will have access to all the learning content online, and the opportunity to participate in the classroom for hands-on workshops and facilitation.
Learning Outcomes:
- Students are expected to have a fundamental understanding of electronic and interactive art theories, and be able to apply electronics and programming into creative art making process.
- Students need to understand and gain fundamental knowledge of physical computing and be able to create artwork using electronic components, Arduino microcontrollers, and programming.
- Students should gain basic skills in troubleshooting, debugging and solving technical issues in the creative artmaking process.
- Students should be able to create interactive artworks that are both conceptually interesting and technically functional.
- Students should complete the assignments within the required time frame, and demonstrate the application of technical learning with creative outcomes.
Weekly Schedule:
Week 1 | Electronic fundamentals and What Is Physical Computing? |
Week 2 | Introduction to the Arduino Microcontroller |
Week 3 | Introduction to Sensing Events: Digital Inputs and Outputs |
Week 4 | Sensing Events: Digital Inputs and Outputs Part 2 |
Week 5 | Introduction to Sensing Events: Analog Inputs and Outputs
Assignment #1 due this week |
Week 6 | Sensing Events: Analog Inputs and Outputs Part 2 |
Reading week | |
Week 7 | Hacking: DIY Switches and Found Objects Part 1
Assignment #2 due this week |
Week 8 | Hacking: DIY Switches and Found Objects Part 2 |
Week 9
|
Body: Wearables and Performance Part 1
Assignment #3 due this week |
Week 10 | Body: Wearables and Performance Part 2 |
Week 11 | Presentation of projects and improvements
Assignment #4 due this week. |
Week 12 | Presentation of projects and improvements, final critique and evaluation. |