Creating Interactive Objects and Environments
2013-08-06
News
On the second day of Susanna Tesconi’s innovative Interaction Design workshop, students delved deeper into the world of the Arduino prototyping platform.
Huddled up in groups of two to three, students worked together to test out various circuits, sensors and computer code combinations to affect the pulse of a LED light connected to their Arduino boards. Once it seemed they got the hang of one device, Tesconi would introduce a new instrument for the class to explore—including potentiometers, LDR sensors, and even conductive paint.
Using the Arduino open-source hardware and development environment software, those involved are learning how to control physical objects using a computer, sensors and microcontrollers that interact with digital applications.
Participants in the workshop will ultimately build their own unique, interactive installation that combines several objects and can react to the space and subjects surrounding it.
About the Workshop Leader
Susanna Tesconi is a Barcelona-based interaction designer and teacher with a strong edupunk attitude.
Inspired by the interaction between children and technology, she explores the integration of low technology and digital fabrication with the goal of engaging groups of children in developing their own technologies.
She has designed several educational programs and workshops for kids with various centers and institutions, including the FablabKids program at Fablab Barcelona, Glob@s at MEDIALAB-PRADO in Madrid, and current collaborations with projects at the Laboral Centro de Arte y Creacion Industrial in Gijon. She is also pursuing a PhD in Investigation in Education at UAB Barcelona.