IAP23 Introduction to Physical Computing for Artists

Day/Time: 4 Fridays starting January 13, 6:00-8:30pm  

Location: SAA 2D Studio (W20-425)

Instructor: Timothy Lee

This course provides an introduction to how physical computation can be utilized within an artistic practice. Students will be introduced to the Arduino IDE and basic principles of circuits, and will learn how to use different motors, sensors, and displays. We will spend the last two weeks of class developing and creating an interactive kinetic artwork that responds to human interaction.

NOTE: There is not enough time during IAP to learn programming for those without any prior exposure. We will review the basics of coding in the first class, but students registered for this course must have a solid understanding of programming, preferably Java or C++, since Arduino is written mostly in the latter language. Students with questions or concerns should contact the instructor prior to registering for the class.

MATERIALS: Students will need to acquire the following materials before the first day of class

• ELEGOO UNO Project Super Starter Kit with Tutorial and UNO R3 Compatible with Arduino IDE
• Laptop (MAC preferred)
• Soldering kit (optional but recommended)
• Students may need to buy specific components independently depending on their project

The ELEGOO UNO Starter kit can be purchased online via Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/ELEGOO-Project-Tutorial-Controller-Projects/dp/B01D8KOZF4/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?crid=12UIMILW6E42I&keywords=arduino+elegoo+kit&qid=1669241739&sprefix=arduino+elegoo+kit%2Caps%2C111&sr=8-2-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&psc=1

Students will also need to download the Arduino software prior to the first day of class:

https://www.arduino.cc/en/software