Module 1 Formstorming

Weekly Activity Template

Sofia Montagner

Project 1

Module 1

Module 1 focuses on how simple low-voltage circuitry can be utilized as a gateway to physical computing. Through weekly formstorming exercises, my understanding of the relationship between form and function in interactive design has deepened. These exercises have allowed me to explore how different materials and circuit configurations can create unique interactive experiences, enhancing my ability to design engaging physical interfaces.

Activity 1

This image depicts my very first attempt at creating a simple circuit, using the materials provided in class (copper tape, 3V batteries, and LED's). The circuit in this image is not functioning upon folding the paper with the conductive tape onto the battery. After further experimentation, I realized it was due to the battery facing the wrong way, as I did not realize which of the sides of the LED was negative or positive.

This image depicst the prior circuit in a state which the battery is turned over so the positive side is facing upwards, and the circuit is now functioning properly.

An image of my first attempt at creating a basic series circuit. I used the same materials as the previous two images, but this time I created a circuit with two LED's instead of one.

The series circut is not functioning in this image, as, similar to the last attempt, the LED's are not facing the right way. I noticed that once the LED's are bent, it is difficult to tell which side is longer (positive) and which is shorter (negative). I kept this in mind when creating circuits in the future, so it was easier to keep track of which side is which.

A reiteration of my prior circuit, except the LED's are facing the correct direction. Another issue I noticed with my prior iteration upon discussing the issue with my classmates is that I had only been using one battery, which added to the lack of functionality. This helped me lock in the concept of how much power each circuit would need when creating more in the future.

The final version of my series circuit, which is now functioning.

The third circuit I made, which is a parallel circuit, went smoothly on my first attempt. The only difficulties I faced were with ensuring that all of the edges of the copper tape were touching properly, which I learned was crucial for the circuit to function.

This is a battery holder I made using plain fabric, thread, and conductive fabric, which allows for easy insertion and removal of the battery. I am also new to sewing, so this was a good introduction on using different mediums to craft circuits.

An image of the battery within the holder. After recieving feedback, I was recommended to use different colours for the positive and negative sides of the battery holder so it is easier to tell which is which.

A strategy I developed throughout my process was using the battery holder as a quick way to test the LED's to make sure they worked before inserting them into my circuits. This made things a lot more convenient, especially later on when I would have to tape down the LED's. It is difficult to tell what the issue is in a circuit that doesn't work at first, since there could be many things that are wrong, so making sure that the LED works created a much smoother process overall.

In this image, I used other materials to create circuits, such as the alligator clips. I found that they were a lot more straightforward to use in comparison to the copper tape, since they easily clip onto the connected pieces and create enough pressure and contact, which is a common issue I faced when using the copper tape.

Inspired by a classmates creation, I used conductive thread for the first time to create a conductive bracelet (which ended up being too small to be a bracelet), that lights up when both ends are connected.

My first attempt was not working, so I had tried using a different LED after testing it with the battery holder I made earlier and finding out the light wasn't functional.

The back of the bracelet, showing the connections made with the conductive thread. The end of the conductive thread is meant to touch the gap in the battery holder, creating a closed circuit.

I adjusted some of the connections, using tape to secure the conductive thread in place when in contact with the LED.

This was a much more succesful iteration, as the LED is now lighting up when the ends of the bracelet are connected. I had to adjust the connections a few times to get it to work, which was a good learning experience on how the sensitivty of the conductive thread works when in contact with the LED's.

An image of the circuit functioning, with the LED having turned on.

Another circuit which I tried creating, this time combining different materials: thread, tape, LED's, and fabric.

I made adjustments to the circuit, ensuring that it is possible to become a closed circuit once the battery is placed and then folded in half.

I placed the battery on the edge of the copper tape, ensuring that the battery is facing the right way.

The circuit did not work properly once I tried closing it.

I tried figuring out why, and I tested the LED using the strategy I had curated using the battery holder. I found out that the LED was not functional after testing it out.

My first time testing out the LED stickers. I did this using the alligator clips, since I found that they were the most efficient when it comes to creating circuits smoothly. The simple circuit worked out perfectly on my first attempt.

I created a small circuit that focused on using the LED sticker, using copper tape and conductive fabric. I taped the battery down onto the fabric, then used the other half of it as a switch.

An image of the LED sticker circuit functioning.

Activity 2

An interaction depicting the opening and closing of a scarf.

A circuit, that demonstrates a wearable circuit that closes when the scarf closes, and the LED's activate.

An interaction depicting the opening and closing of laptop. There is potential for a circuit to be created which activates once the laptop is shut.

An interaction depicting the clicking of a mouse. The top part of the mouse touches the bottom of it when it is clicked.

A circuit, that demonstrates a non-wearable circuit that closes when the mouse is clicked and the top and bottom parts of the mouse interact, causing the LED's to activate.

An interaction depicting the opening and closing of scissors.

A circuit that shows a non-wearable circuit that closes when the scissors are closed, causing the LED's to activate.

An interaction depicting the opening and closing of a water bottle. There is potential for a circuit to be formed that activates once the water bottle is opened or closed.

An interaction depicting the zipping and unzipping of a zipper on a pencil case.

A circuit that shows a non-wearable circuit that closes when the zipper is closed, causing the LED's to activate as the zipper connects the two parts of the circuit.

An interaction depicting the opening and closing of a jacket button. There is potential for a circuit to be formed that activates once the button is closed.

A circuit that shows a non-wearable circuit that closes as the mac charger gets plugged into the wall, causing the LED to activate as the copper tape and battery allows current to flow to the circuit on the wall.

Project 1

Final Project 1 Design

Wearable Interactive Affordance Based Circuit

My wearable circuit is a glove that focuses on the interaction between the thumb and index finger, that when activated, turns on an LED on the index finger. The circuit is inspired by the time-based art which we learned about in week 2, and is designed to be used as a drawing tool, which can be experimented with using long-exposure photography.

I used mainly conductive thread and fabric to create the circuit that is interconnected within the gloves fabric. The thread runs through the thumb and index finger, each connected to a different side of the battery. The circuit can be closed by touching the conductive fabric on the index and thumb, therefore activating the light.

Non-Wearable Interactive Affordance Based Circuit

My non-wearable is inspired by the game Operation, where players must remove objects from a patient without touching the sides of the openings. In my circuit, I created a similar interaction using simple circuits representing a game that focuses on removing invasive species from the environment.

This non-wearable uses multiple simple circuits (the three holes) that are all connected to one switch (the metal tweezers) which can be used to activate any of them upon touching the copper tape lined on the edges of each hole. The project itself was designed by me then laser cut to fit the overall aesthetic of the game.