Weekly Schedule: Spring 2023 – Physical Computing & Alternative Interfaces

A week-by-week summary of the course (subject to change)

Week	Theme/Topic(s)	In-class activities	Assignment Due	Readings Due	Post-class Work
1	Introduction	Lecture: What is Physical Computing Lecture: What is Electricity?			Set up a blog and post link in the myCourses Discussions Buy the parts from the course parts list Get an Arduino microcontroller (Arduino Nano 33 IoT with headers) Look at the Arduino web site Topic: What is Electricity? Topic: Microcontollers Readings
2	Introduction	Discussion Lecture: The Arduino Ecosystem Lab: Hello Microcontroller! Lecture: Tools & Prototyping Workflow Lab: Components		Don Norman, The Design of Everyday Things, ch. 1	Homework 1
3	Introduction	Homework 1: discussion and critique Lecture: Schematics & PCBs Intro to Fritzing Lab: Setting up a Breadboard	Homework 1		Readings
4	Sensors and Data Acquisition	Lecture: Sensors Lab: Analog Input (Photocell, Potentiometer) Lab: Switches & Digital I/O			Topic: Sensor Analysis & Filtering Readings Homework 2
5	Sensors and Data Acquisition	Homework 2: discussion and critique Discussion Lecture: Sensor Analysis & Filtering	Homework 2	Jeon et al, “From rituals to magic: Interactive art and HCI of the past, present, and future” Hiroshi Ishii & Brygg Ullmer, “Tangible Bits: Towards Seamless Interfaces Between People, Bits and Atoms”	Topic: Serial Communication
6	Communication protocols	Lecture: Serial Communication Lab: Asynchronous Serial Communication Lab: Serial Output from Arduino to Processing			Homework 3 Arduino Serial Communication Reference
7	Communication protocols	Homework 3: discussion and critique Lecture: Networks and Locative Media Lab: Two-way Serial Communication (handshaking) Lab: Wifi Communication in Arduino	Homework 3		Sparkfun: Motors Review/Prepare for Mid-term
8	Actuators	Lab: Motors & Transistors	Mid-term Quiz		Research presentation Homework 4
SPRING BREAK: March 12-19
9	Research Presentations	Research presentations	Research presentation		Homework 4 Readings
10	Advanced Sensors and Data Acquisition	Homework 4: discussion and critique Lecture: Touch, Tactility & Alternative Materials Lab: DIY Touch Sensor	Homework 4		Readings
11	Advanced Sensors and Data Acquisition	Discussion Lecture: Reflective Design & Ambiguity Lab: Distance Sensing		William Gaver, “Ambiguity as a Resource for Design” Critical Engineering Manifesto	Final Project
12	Advanced Sensors and Data Acquisition	Lab: Accelerometer			Final Project
13	Designing Alternative Interfaces	Lecture: Designing Alternative Interfaces Lab: Logic Chips			Final Project
14	TBD	TBD			Final Project
15	Final Project	Final project: Show project work in progress, get feedback (from fellow students) Free lab time			Final Project
16	Final project		Final Project