Design Challenges
These design projects explore tangible interface design. There is no single answer. Your solutions will be based on the context and user you choose to design for.
Beginner
Hacky Bird
Design Brief: design and produce a tangible interface that creatively interprets the video game Flappy Bird in the real world using physical sensors and output, but without a screen. The project will include design, electronics, programming, & prototyping of a ‘works like’ model.
Intermediate
Bluetooth Music Remote
Design Brief: Design and make a working remote control for music/video on your laptop or phone. You have been hired to discover an interesting need
Smart Thermostat Demo
Design Brief: design and prototype a simple thermostat system: read and display the temperature. How can you heat up or cool down a space, for example a doll house or pet house?. How does the user set the desired temperature?
Security / Alert System
Design Brief: design and prototype a simple security system. how can you detect and identify intruders? How can you send the alarm? Is there a passcode? How to Arm and Disarm the alert?
Environmental Dashboard
Design Brief: design and prototype a mini weather station: reads temperature, humidity, UV level, and daylight. How can you get all this data on one OLED display? How else can you visualize the data? Can you connect it to a computer?
Plant Buddy
Design Brief: design and prototype a tool to keep your plant alive! How can you read soil moisture, UV light, and temperature? How can you design the plant health information on an OLED screen. When soil is too dry, can you make a valve to water the plant?
Advanced
Personal Submersible Cockpit
Design brief: design and prototype steering controls for a Submarine Simulator game to navigate through coral reefs to collect a jewel and return to the surface before you run out of oxygen and battery.