Final Project Plan: "Blue Home"

What will it do?

"Blue Home" is an interactive educational board game that teaches children about the solar system. When the player places a sensor-equipped astronaut figure on a specific planet spot on the board, the system responds with light, sound, or haptic feedback to confirm correct or incorrect answers. The board guides the player through a quiz-like learning experience using visual and sensory cues.

Who’s done what beforehand?

Several educational kits and games exist for learning astronomy, such as LeapFrog’s interactive globes or AR-based solar system apps. However, these typically rely on screens or proprietary hardware. Some Fab Academy alumni have made planetarium models, but few projects combine hands-on interaction, embedded electronics, and localized fabrication the way "Blue Home" does.

What sources will you use?

  • NASA and ESA resources for accurate planetary data
  • Fab Academy archives for system integration and board design references
  • Arduino and Adafruit documentation for microcontroller and sensor interfacing

What will you design?

  • Custom laser-cut board game base with labeled planet zones
  • 3D printed astronaut game piece with built-in sensor
  • Electronic circuit boards for sensing, lighting, sound, and control
  • Enclosures for electronics and wiring
  • Simple feedback system (LEDs, buzzer, vibration motor)

What materials and components will be used?

  • MDF or acrylic sheets for the board
  • PLA or TPU for 3D printed astronaut piece
  • Arduino Nano 33 BLE Sense
  • RGB LEDs, addressable LED strips
  • Piezo buzzer and vibration motor
  • Wires, resistors, capacitors, and custom PCBs

Where will they come from?

Most components will be sourced from Fab Lab Bahrain’s inventory or fabricated in-house. Some sensors or specialty parts may be ordered online if not available locally.

How much will they cost?

Estimated total cost is around $50–$70. The Arduino Nano 33 BLE Sense is the most expensive part (~$25), while other parts are low-cost or already available in the lab.

What parts and systems will be made?

  • Laser-cut and engraved game board
  • 3D printed astronaut figure
  • Custom PCB for lighting and sensor integration
  • Code for sensing, feedback, and game logic
  • Packaging for all components

What processes will be used?

  • 2D design and laser cutting (game board)
  • 3D design and printing (astronaut and enclosures)
  • Electronics design and PCB milling/soldering
  • Embedded programming using Arduino IDE
  • System integration and testing

What questions need to be answered?

  • How accurately and reliably can the astronaut detect its position?
  • Can multiple outputs (LED, sound, vibration) be controlled smoothly?
  • Will the system be intuitive and fun for children to use?

How will it be evaluated?

The project will be evaluated based on functionality (correct detection and feedback), user experience (fun and educational), system integration (hardware and software), and use of digital fabrication techniques. Individual mastery will be shown through documentation of each step: design, fabrication, electronics production, and programming.