Final Assembly
This week in the fab lab was mainly dedicated to the final assembly of our watch. We started off with another electronic workshop. In this workshop, we experimented with an Arduino. We learned how to write simple code for running loops. In doing this we were able to do experiments with the LED, such as controlling when it turns on and off and controlling the duration while it is on. After attaching the tilt sensor, we printed the results of the loop. 1’s and 0’s would indicate what orientation the sensor was in. It was interesting to see it work on the LED and then printed on the screen.
After this workshop, we then transitioned into preparing the Arduino for assembly. The code for the watch was given to us. After uploading the code we taped the Arduino down to one of the boards. After supergluing and taping other parts together we sandwiched the Arduino between two pieces of the watch and secured it with zip ties. We then proceeded to secure the tilt sensors on top of the watch. After attaching the other parts such as the wristband the assembly was finished.
Initially, when they told us that we were building a watch I thought that it would take longer than the 3 days we spent. However, after seeing how a big idea can be broken down into smaller pieces it was clear to me that maximal functionality can still be achieved even with a basic prototype. Making the watch will definitely help me and others feel more prepared for the make-a-thon.
Hi Brianna,
I love your design! I like how you went differently from other people and just created your own personal style watch. And I agree with you that maximum amount of functionality can be achieved through a simple prototype. As a designer, I mostly convey my project using my prototypes when I’m talking to my users. I also think prototyping is a great tool to use!