1.5. Principles and Practices¶
Light Up Calendar¶
I am a horribly disorganized person. Or at least it feels that way, especially when I have multiple things going on at once. The easiest way for me to keep track of what’s going on is to have it all laid out in front of me. I have a regular wall calendar for upcoming appointments, important deadlines, and various other things that I would inevitably forget. But a standard calendar can only do so much, and I often run out of space for little things I need to remember. In addition, I like to write things down. I carry a notebook with me for things I remember or need to add, but the main thing is:
If I don’t see it, I forget it.
It’s a well known issue with people with ADHD, and I’m no exception. Object permanence and losing track of time are constant battles, but seeing everything in front of me helps keep things present. A visual aid is a huge help.
I need a calendar that is easy to see everything at a glance, color coded so I know certain things that are coming up. But I also need a way to keep track of long term items, even as simple as changing a filter in a few months, change the oil in my car, or similar things that are important, but so far out that they seem like I don’t have to think about it until it becomes a problem, something left neglected past its due date. That doesn’t need to be up constantly, so I could also add a way to add long term reminders, maybe with the screen. Another option is to create another board that is an addon, but this part would be extra or a future project.
I have looked for dry erase calendars that could potentially fill the void, but I haven’t found anything similar to this concept. I also looked through past projects and didn’t see anything like this.
I want a calendar that happens to have electrical components, not an electrical component that also happens to be a calendar.
Main Overview¶
The main center section is a calendar with each block for a day able to light up at a touch. In addition, be able to cycle through different colors in order to color code that particular day.
Most important aspect: At the end of the day, still functions as calendar dry erase board even if there is no power
- Have enough blocks for every month
- Possibly add eighth day that is a screen that can display additional reminders or pictures, emojis, whatever you want
- Can light up the month by pressing and holding the first and last days, all days between and including the touched blocks will light up
- Mark of individual days with one tap
- Maybe double tap to begin cycling through colors
- Have an interface of some kind that allows for lights to turn off, whether not in use or just at night, but remember the settings when turned back on
What is it made of?¶
The dry erase board itself doesn’t allow light though, but there are acrylic/plexiglass that is clear or has frosted options.
- Need to test which materials will function like the standard white board
- Will still allow light through without showing the components beneath
- How to separate the squares so light doesn’t bleed through around it
- Also need black lines, either painted/laser engraved/machined out/material added to mark the actual calendar section
Back board
Need a light material that can be mounted on wall but able to hold and house electrical components
- Aluminum
- MDF
Size¶
How big is it?
- Need to draw on posters to get a sense of scale.
How big do I need the squares to be to be reasonable without getting too big?
Potential Components¶
Since I don’t know much about electrical components, I’m not sure what all I will actually need, but this is a rough guess based on what I want it to do.
RGB LED strips
- Needs to have white light as well as multiple colors
Limit the selection to a set amount
Maybe add option for personalized color, but not necessary
Wiring
- Lots of it to connect each square and any additional components
Screen (or screens)
- If I add the eighth day, will it be one screen or multiple smaller screens?
Black and white or color?
Circuit boards
- To control the touch sensors
Remember the information from the inputs
Change the light colors
Whatever information is on the screen
Switch
- Turn it on and off
Power Source
- Battery powered? What size battery?
Will it need more power for all the lights, the screens, and remembering information?
At that point, does it need to be plugged in? Will that affect the ability to retain information?
Brainstorming and Spitballing¶
David came by the Fab Lab and he helped flesh out more of my idea and where it could go and what it could become. It was especially helpful to have his insight about what weeks could apply towards my project. It gave me a much better idea of what to work towards and focus on.
A major problem I have is when a task or assignment is too open ended, I don’t know where to begin. Being able to put down a rough idea and see it all in front of me was extremely helpful.
Inspiration¶
I love the simplicity and how beautiful her calendar is. Unfortunately, it’s been sold out since her initial launch. Maybe one day I’ll own one :’)
Jon machines knives and titanium tweezers, but I especially love the patterns of pockets he machines into his handles to save weight.
No reason in particular, but I’ve read his book, “Every Tool’s A Hammer, Life Is What You Make It”, multiple times and it never fails to put me in a maker mood.