Hardware for People

Undergraduate

Graphic design shapes how people interact with objects, interfaces, and environments. In physical computing, graphic design extends beyond static form to systems that sense, respond, and change in real time. This course focuses on designing physical devices and interfaces that we interact with using our bodies, introducing physical computing as a design practice centered on the relationship between body, object, and computation. Using electronics, sensors, and microcontrollers such as ESP32, students explore how touch, movement, and presence become inputs that influence visual and interactive outcomes. Hardware is approached as a form of interface and communication. Throughout the course, students examine questions such as: What does it mean to design a moveable interface? What does an interface look like when it can change in real time? How do design decisions shape interaction? How can designers sense space and context? Can the audience become part of the work? Permission of instructor. Prior experience with programming and interactive media is strongly recommended. Completion of ART 3769 or a similar course is ideal. Students should be comfortable building simple interactive systems and working with basic programming concepts. Experience with JavaScript or other programming languages such as Processing, Python, Java, C, or C++ is sufficient. No prior experience with electronics or hardware is required. MW 9:25am-11:20am