17. Applications and Implications, Project Development¶
Individual Assignment¶
-
Propose a final project masterpiece that integrates the range of units covered.
-
Your project should incorporate:
2D and 3D design
Additive and subtractive fabrication processes
Electronics design and production
Embedded microcontroller interfacing and programming
System integration and packaging.
Where possible, you should make rather than buy the parts of your project.
- Complete your final project tracking your progress.
Questions About Final Project¶
What will it do?¶
I’m designing an interactive learning activity where LEDs briefly light up in white to form a specific shape—such as a number or letter—and then turn off. The user’s task is to replicate that shape by touching the correct points, each equipped with a touch sensor. As the user touches each correct point, its LED turns green to indicate progress. If the user taps an incorrect point, the corresponding LED blinks red, and a small screen displays “Incorrect.”
The process is similar to an interactive “Connect the Dots” game, encouraging users to recall and recreate the shape from memory. When the correct sequence of points is touched, the screen will display a “Correct” message. If not, the shape will be shown again, and the user gets another chance. This cycle repeats until the shape is completed successfully.
The goal of this project is to help young children learn how to write numbers and letters through engaging, hands-on practice that combines memory, coordination, and feedback-based learning.
Who has done what beforehand?¶
I asked ChatGPT if anyone has done somethign similar before, and here are some of the projects it told me about:
- LightUp – Augmented Learning Blocks
Description:
LightUp is an educational toolkit combining magnetic blocks and LEDs to teach kids about circuits. While it’s focused on STEM education, it includes interactive lighting feedback to guide users. The kit encourages step-by-step problem solving by lighting up components when connected correctly, similar to your concept of lighting points and validating interaction.
- Touch the Dot Game (Makey Makey/Instructables Project)
Description:
A game built with Makey Makey or capacitive touch sensors, where dots (connected to foil or conductive pads) light up in a sequence. The user has to touch the same points in the same order. If the user fails, the pattern repeats until correct.
- Simon Says LED Touch Game (ESP32/Arduino Projects)
Description:
An advanced version of Simon Says, this is a game using an LED matrix and capacitive touch sensors (often with ESP32). LEDs light up in a pattern, and the player must tap the corresponding touch zones in the same order. If the pattern is incorrect, it restarts. Often featured in maker contests.
What will you design?¶
I will design the casing for my project, the PCB for my project, the overall layout of my project, and the system integration for my project.
What materials and components will be used? Where will they come from? How much will they cost?¶
This list of materials is still ongoing and so far only includes items I have already started integrating into my design.
| Material | Quantity | Description | Cost | In Lab | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ESP32S3 | 1 | ESP32S3 microcontroller | $15.00 | Yes | Amazon |
| LEDs | 36 | 6x6 RGB LED matrix | Yes | ||
| Jumper Wires | 50 | Assorted jumper wires | Yes | ||
| Soldering Wire | 1 | Lead-free solder wire | Yes | ||
| 1/8” Wood | 1 | Wood for mounting and structure | Yes | ||
| LCD1602 Display | 1 | 16x2 character LCD display for simple text output using GPIO | ~$7.00 | Yes | Amazon |
| 220Ω Resistors | 6 | 220Ω resistors for LED matrix | Yes |
What parts and systems will be made?¶
I will make the case, PCB, code, touch-activated LED matrix, and whatever else I need to complete this project.
What processes will be used?¶
I am planning on designing the case using Fusion 360 (Computer-Aided Design) and laser cutting the case (Computer Controlled Cutting). I am planning on using KiCAD to design the final PCB (Electronics Design) and the milling machine to mill the PCB (Electronics Production). I will also be incorporating inputs, outputs, and interfaces.
What questions need to be answered? What questions need to be resolved?¶
How am I going to make the LED matrix touch-activated? What is the most efficient touch sensor to do this?
Is it most efficient to use multiple PCBs because there are so many components?
How will I power my final device?
How will it be evaluated?¶
I think my project should be evaluated based off its unique functionality and well planned-out design.
What tasks have been completed?¶
I have figured out how to control the screen and the web server and the LED matrix. I understand how all three of these things work and feel confident that I can quickly adjust these three components to match the rest of my project design as I determine which input is best.
What tasks remain?¶
I need to figure out how to make my LED matrix touch-activated. I have a few ideas that I am in the process of testing right now.
What has worked? What hasn’t?¶
So far, everything I have worked on has worked except for the input aspect. I still have not determined the best input sensor for this project. I also determined that the Xiao RP2040 which I was initially planning on using is not best for my design and I am better off using the ESP32-S3 due to its web server capabilities and large number of pins.
What will happen when?¶
Now that finals are over, I will spend most of my time these next two weeks trying to close everything out.
Here is the Gantt chart I made:
What have you learned?¶
I have learned so much about inputs, outputs, PCB design and production, and more. I know these next few weeks I will continue learning more about assembling a final product that looks clean.
Reflection¶
This week helped me with defining my final project and making more of a plan for how I am going to finish my final project.