ECS511U Creating Interactive Objects

Module code: ECS511U

Credits: 15
Semester: SEM1

Interactive objects are physical devices controlled by microcontrollers using simple sensors and actuators.

The aim of this module is to provide you with skills, knowledge, and experience of designing and prototyping interactive physical objects using contemporary microcontrollers. The module covers basic electronics, control circuits, sensors (analogue and digital), output (analogue and digital), microcontrollers, simple networking, and microcontroller programming using the popular Arduino open-source platform. It additionally touches on topics of interaction design and evaluation to provide a framework in which students can prototype and understand interactive objects.

Topics covered include:

• Introduction to Interactive Objects Design and demonstration or real life implementations.
• Introduction to Arduino kit and hardware components.
• Programming refresher.
• Analogue and Digital Electronics.
• Further Programming Concepts.
• Digital COmmunication and Interfaces.
• Interactive Design Principles.
• Building Digital System Blocks.
• Sensors and Functions.

Practical Laboratory Sessions:

• Four lab sessions on introductory concepts to arduino kit and sample exercises.
• Individual group project in building and evaluating interactive objects.
• Group project on applying interactive design principles.

Level: 5