16-223 - Introduction to Physical Computing

Project Description: A portable instrument to collect ambient light level data and condense it into a musical rendition of the rhythms of the day. Project Goal: To create an instrument that will intercept light levels throughout the day and then, those will be inputted into a computer and then, will be outputted in musical sounds or beats. You will be able to “listen” or “replay” your day. Video Demonstration: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JwErMUp7w0k

Algae Curtain: Our goal for this project was to create a scale model of a hanging installation that mimics the form, color and behavior of Volvox algae, which is bioluminescent, by combining artistic and technological processes. Concept: We aimed to simulate the food-finding process for volvox algae, which is drawn to light to create food for itself. Our simulation would use a spectrum of colored lights and sense how much light this device was absorbing. Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-PuEte9FRPE&feature=youtu.be

To create a responsive origami tessellation to alter the tempo of natural light in an environment, thereby affording a slower walking pace for the occupants of that space. The presence of a person below the structure triggers a slow movement, so if someone is in a rush, then they will miss what is happening right above their heads. This structure prompts people to take the time to slow down, look up, and observe what is going on around them.

Lynnette Ramsey + Victoria Yong We aimed to create a skirt that would rise and widen when a button on it is pressed. This skirt would allow the user to change according to comfort, as a wider skirt could feel less warm to wear in a hot climate. However, creating the full skirt was out of our scope so we made a prototype of half of the skirt and the mechanism that opened it. This let us focus on the functionality of the mechanism instead of making the aesthetically wearable full form.