Anything glows (fachkurz)
January 20, 2010
Today tiny computers are embedded in many products. Through recent prototyping technologies aimed at designers, rather than at specialized engineers, we as product designers are able to master the tools to physically & functionally sketch our ideas. By using functional prototypes, we can gain insight into the strengths and flaws of our initial designs. These physical sketches are the basis for testing our prototypes on users and iteration throughout the process.
In this course I explored the possibilities of visual communication while examining solutions that enable objects to communicate with their potential users by using light.
In this course I experimented with Arduino and physical computing. Since I already graduated as Mechanical Engineer I have some experience with programming and electronic components but always in more advanced systems such as Programmable logic controllers. This course brought controlling down to the level of Micro controllers which are often used in mass produced products since they are cheap and small.
In this course I experimented a lot with electronics to finally came up with one mayor installation. By using light sources, mirror and semi transparent mirrors I created an interesting concept of the illusion of infinity.
Afterwards I experimented with on and of switching of lights and only showing them in one reflection to create the illusion of motion. Foam was added between the mirror and Led layers to allow bending the reflection and creating the illusion of controlling the virtual space/tunnel.
To see how my device works check out the pdf.
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