Domains
For my domains, I found that most of the work I’ve done in the past falls into one or more of the following…
- Physical Tech (Balloon Satellite, Drone, RockPad, Exoplanet data gathering)
- “Soft” Tech (small video game, my website, email scraper, YOU art installation concept)
- Audio (Live sound, Foley work, voice acting)
…with a few one-off projects here and there for flavor. I make a distinction between physical and “soft” tech, as I feel like in the physical tech projects the hardware is the main focus that the software props up, whereas in the soft tech projects the software is the main focus that the hardware helps out. As well, I don’t want to call soft tech “coding” because I feel like there was more involved to the projects than just writing code; for example, the video game required gameplay design and art assets,
Precedents
Physical Tech:
Blubber Bot:
A helium filled blimp robot that roams around an area, moving towards light and cell phones. Also can “sing” like a whale by using a vibration motor and small speaker
Link: https://hackaday.io/project/25500-blubber-bots
Farmbot:
Open Source CNC planter box that plants, waters, weeds and maintains a garden for you, in order to grow food,
Link: https://hackaday.io/project/2552-farmbot-open-source-cnc-farming
Neurobytes:
Small electronic components designed to simulate neurons in the human brain to teach students basic neurobiology.
Link: https://hackaday.io/project/3339-neurobytes
“Soft” Tech:
Using Mind Control to Drive a Car:
A video by Michael Reeves about using a toy to control the accelerator of his (dad’s) car. I think the idea of controlling or affecting things using EKGs is pretty novel and could be fun to look into. (Strong Language Warning)
Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mPbtR4vorgY
vuExposed
An art project by Jared Moore that shows visitors web browsers on a large wall of televisions to demonstrate the lack of privacy online
Box:
A projection mapping video demonstrating real time, dynamic mapping. Honestly this video is just really pretty cool.
Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lX6JcybgDFo
Audio:
Images on an Audio Cassette:
Using outdated tech in non-standard ways is really fun. Here is someone storing images as SSTV signals on a cassette.
Link: https://www.instructables.com/id/Images-On-An-Audio-Cassette/
Laser Audio Transmitter:
Again, using things in ways not intended. Transmitting audio over lasers, which I think could be interesting if taken further
Link: http://www.freeinfosociety.com/site.php?postnum=2310
Radiation Windchime:
Windchime based on a Raspberry Pi that uses background radiation as a random source to generate windchime noises
Link: https://www.instructables.com/id/Anachronistic-Audio-Radiation-Windchimes/
Research Questions:
- “What are some complex topics that can be easier explained using smart toys?”
- “How can we demonstrate to people just how much of their life is public info?”
- “What are artforms that have talked about data privacy?”
- “What are my skills that can apply?” Et all
- “What uses (if any) are there for line-of-sight audio transmission (i.e. backpacking)?”
- “Is there any need for an EKG based hands free device (i.e. assistive technology)?”
- “What are the problems with EKG asstive tech?”
- Specific needs