Module 3 Activity Research

Weekly Activity Template

Sherise Cheung

Project 3

Module 3

In this module, we moved upon the low-fidelity prototype and ideas and turned it into this final art installation. We added a light sensor to take in environmental data, and connected everything through Arduino into a responsive visual system in TouchDesigner. We moved past quick prototype tests and built a clean, fabricated prototype that audiences can actually interact with without further explanation. The working installation reacts to both user input and the environment, showing that interactions were intuitive, accessible, and emotionally engaging.

Activity 1: Fabrication Research

Refined the circuit by adding the light sensor to collect data upon the environment's brightness which also outputs the light levels on Arduino IDE.

Method 1: 3D print was my first choice for fabrication as it allows me to create complex shapes with textures that would be difficult to achieve with other methods.

Method 2: Using paper and glue to create a lightweight and cost-effective prototype. But the lightweight nature of paper makes it less durable and stable for the installation, which makes doesn't make useer confident upon their interaction.

Method 3: Laser cut the prototype pieces out of wood, which aligns the material use. But it's not ideal as it doesn't look much like a moon and the texture isn't supportive.

Method 4: Using the original ornament and adding textures with paint to create a realistic moon surface. But the ornament is too small for users to interact with comfortably.

Activity 2: Prototyping Process

TouchDesigner couldn't take in sensor data directly from Arduino, slowing down the confirmation process.

3D printed moon model failed around 2/5 way through, the lines all seemed perfectly fine and the texture is ideal.

3D printing the potentiometer knob that fits thee 65mm hole on the moon model

Successful 3D printed potentiometer knob that fits the moon model hole well.

Workshop 3: Soldering

Testing connectivity for LED string concept

Solder the potentiometer knob piece together.

Discovered that the LED string concept is not ideal as it's not bright enough to be seen even in a dark environment.

Project 2

Project 3 Final Prototype

The laser cut containter that holds all the electronic components, 3D printed moon and engraved instruction text. And the TouchDesigner Eclipse UI design that connects to the Arduino and sensors.

Hardware (Circuit + Arduino) Prototype. Showing the interactions included in the Physical model including the rotary potentiometer and the light sensor.