Data by Design: Code Reuse and Visualizations

Data by Design: Code Reuse and Visualizations

When I joined, the team had done a considerable amount of research, design, and requirements exploration in addition to our small prototype. One of the ideas continually emphasized was that the book would be heavily data-driven. This can be a…

Walking Through The Project

Walking Through The Project

We are three new students who joined DILAC lab and are continuing where the project left off from the summer semester. Much of the fall 2017 semester has been a catch up phase to learn about how the project got…

Membrane 'Holes' Layer

Membrane ‘Holes’ Layer

As described previously the membrane switch controller can be created by separating two sets of conductive traces with flexible insulating material in between: Creating this ‘holes’ layer was a seemingly straightforward yet laborious process – cutting 900 holes precisely ain’t…

Application of Copper Tape to Neoprene Sheets

Application of Copper Tape to Neoprene Sheets

The determining factor that will ensure that the touch matrix will work when each of the three separate neoprene layers are put together is the accuracy with which we apply the copper tapes to the outer layers of neoprene. Furthermore,…

All Things Fabric: Testing, Printing, Pricing

All Things Fabric: Testing, Printing, Pricing

Fabric Testing As outlined in ‘Face’ of the Quilt, I am testing fabric to see how it diffuses, affects affect, and obscures or reveals hardware. I quickly tested a broad array of swatches. Their textures included felt, mid-weight cotton, a polyester-stretch…

The 'Face' of the Quilt: Fabric and Light Diffusion

The ‘Face’ of the Quilt: Fabric and Light Diffusion

Per the admittedly true cliché, you never get a second chance to make a first impression. We are reimagining the original look and feel of the 1800s quilt in modern fabrics and designs. In taking this route, we need to ensure…

Neoprene Stencil v2.0

Neoprene Square Cutout Stencil

One of the aspects of this project is to cut out 900 different 1 inch x 1 inch squares out of a neoprene sheet. The centers of these squares have to be spaced apart by exactly 3.333 cm vertically and horizontally…

LED Wiring

LED Wiring

The LED strip has three inputs: +5V, Gnd, and data input. The data input has to come from one end of the strip, indicated by the arrows. The power for the strip can come from any end. The +5V needs…

Taking Membrane Switches to Scale: First Steps

Taking Membrane Switches to Scale: First Steps

Recently my lab mate and I were fantasizing about theoryland. It’s this magical place where you go up to a whiteboard and, using your extensive domain knowledge, allow ephemeral non-toxic marker to create your dream system. But no Expo could…

Prototyping Membrane Switches

Prototyping Membrane Switches

Membrane switches are very simple. Physically, there are no “fancy” materials involved. It’s easy to see why they have been on our microwaves allowing us to accidentally burn PopSecret for many years and counting. With only the following materials I was…