My final project is an interactive installation titled “The Snail’s Journey to School.” The idea is inspired by the opening scenes of Monsters University, where a small character makes their way toward school. In my version, the user helps a robot snail travel through a physical obstacle course until it reaches its destination.
Arduino will control the physical movement of the robot snail using motors and buttons for directional input. It may also include an optional sensor, such as a photoresistor or distance sensor, to detect obstacles or the finish line. The snail robot and the obstacle course will be fabricated by me, either through 3D printing or hand-built materials.
p5.js will act as the narrative and feedback layer. It will display an introduction, instructions, and story elements that respond to the user’s physical interactions. As the user presses buttons to move the snail, Arduino will send messages to p5.js, which will update the visuals, play small animations or sounds, and react to progress in real time. When the snail reaches the “school” area, p5 will display the final scene.
The interaction loop centers on listening (reading the user’s button presses), thinking (moving the snail and sending corresponding data), and speaking (p5.js reacting immediately with feedback).