Physical Computing (Autumn 2020)

Abstract

The course will introduce and teach students to work with Physical Computing, including an exploration of input and output modalities in human-machine interactions beyond screens, keyboards and the mouse. The course will teach the students fundamental concepts of basic electronics and how to work with a microcontroller using for example the Arduino platform.

Description

The course is important because in any design practice, knowledge about the materials used to do design is essential. In the larger context of digital design, students need to have a certain level of knowledge about digital materials also on a physical level, i.e. electronics. The course allow students to experiment with sensors and other input or output technologies as low-level building-block in technology design allowing them to apprehend knowledge of how everyday technologies are constructed and how to design interactive technologies and experiences from a technical, physical perspective.

After the course, it is expected that the student should be able to, for example, build interactive Physical Computing systems based around for example the Arduino-platform, read simple datasheets and circuit schematics, and design and construct simple interactive installations.

The course is rather hands-on, and includes much lab-work. The course teach the students fundamental concepts of basic electronics and how to connect and program a microcontroller. Students will get familiar with the properties and use of standard components such as resistors, diodes, transistors and capacitors but also more complex components and sensors. They will also learn how to construct circuits on a breadboard.

Formal prerequisites

This  course is a 3rd semester course on the BSc Digital Design and Interactive Technologies

Intended learning outcomes

After the course, the student should be able to:

• Apply, Name, and Describe basic electronic components, sensors, actuators and relevant formulas.
• Construct interactive models, devices or systems utilizing microcontrollers that will be programmed by the students.
• NOT APPLICABLE IN AUTUMN2020 DUE TO COVID-19: Prototype a working Physical Computing system.
• Evaluate and reflect on the work from a technical, physical/digital and interaction paradigm perspective.
• Analyse and relate your work to State-of-the-art (e.g. from research articles)

Learning activities

Theoretical introduction to lab-activities and related topics. 

Basic electronics and circuit diagrams.

Basic programming of a microcontroller.

Plenum and group discussions. 

Prototyping and construction of circuits using for example an Arduino board.

Presentations in class.

Mandatory activities

1 group presentation based on an article or an existing physical computing system. 

The student will receive the grade NA (not approved) at the ordinary exam, if the mandatory activities are not approved and the student will use an exam attempt.

Course literature

The course literature is published in the course page in LearnIT.

Student Activity Budget

Estimated distribution of learning activities for the typical student

• Preparation for lectures and exercises: 2%
• Lectures: 15%
• Exercises: 50%
• Assignments: 5%
• Project work, supervision included: 25%
• Exam with preparation: 3%

Ordinary exam

Exam type:
D: Submission of written work with following oral, External (7-point scale)
Exam variation:
D2G: Submission for groups with following oral exam supplemented by the submission. Shared responsibility for the report.

Time and date