Week 8: Unusual Switch

Concept

The creation of an unusual switch was an interesting task, considering I have created simple LED circuits before, though never with anything beyond what is given in our kit. I decided to use a piano key as a switch to create an interesting switch to add an element of sound that adds dimension to the switch and work. Through this I wanted to create an engaging yet simple work that helps me ground my understanding. To add another layer I wrote code for the light to blink when the key is pressed, which adds a visual to the current auditory element.

Video Demonstration

IMG_7568

Code Snippet

void loop() {
  //Read the state of the switch
  int switchState = digitalRead(A2);

  //Loop to blink if switch is ON
  if (switchState == HIGH) { 
    digitalWrite(13, HIGH); //Turn the LED ON
    delay(250);  // Wait 250 ms
    digitalWrite(13, LOW);   //Turn the LED OFF
    delay(250);  // Wait 250 ms         
  } else {
    digitalWrite(13, LOW); //Keep the LED OFF
  }

}

During this assignment I wanted to integrate two different things we learnt in class to add a little more interactivity to the switch so I decided to use the blinking mechanism during the time where the switch is connected. After prototyping with the regular switch, I added the part of the code where the blinking is handled and noticed a difference on how engaging the switch became which could be useful in creating game interactions or bringing a viewer’s attention to a specific part of a work of interactive art.

Complete Code

Github link

Reflection

This assignment was a great starting point for learning arduino, though a simple task, it helped me make sure that I am well acquainted with the basics of it and I am now excited to learn more. I’d say there is a lot that could be done to improve and develop this work, including adding more LEDs, switches or even more complex visual display when the switch is turned on through a more complex use of digitalRead. Further, this taught me the potential of both hardware and software interacting and what type of work could come out of using such tools together, which inspired me and got me thinking about future projects and how I could make use of this dynamic or how I could have used it in my previous projects.