Project 1 Blog - Dot cube

Brainstorm: I wanted to create an interactive LED display that used accelerometers and allowed for fluid-like simulations.

Lab 1: LEDs

Using an Arduino and an LED with a 220 Ohm resistor, got an LED to fade in and out.

Then upgraded to small dot matrix.

Lab 2: Sensors

Now using a display to render the output of an ultrasonic distance sensor.
Also, at home, I used an accelerometer to make an LED matrix display sand reacting to gravity.

Lab 3: Soldering

Combining my knowledge in previous areas to make a soldered version of the dot matrix circuit, taking in accel data and processing in an ESP32, to then display on larger dot matrix.

Project Outcome and Artist Statement:

I set out with the main goal of an interactive fluid simulation, and, having no prior electronics experience, it was quite daunting. I seek to evoke the feeling of childhood wonder at a science museum. I remember walking around exhibits, playing with random mechanisms, directing water through sand, and creating tornadoes with rotational motion. These experiences have never left me, and they remain the goal of my art as I begin to explore other media. Playing with a large LED cube to elicit an “Ooh Ahh” reaction turned out better than I had imagined. Looking ahead, I wish to refine the cube to make it easier to charge, add new inputs, and enable some modularity.