Step-On Switch: An Unusual Arduino Foot-Activated Circuit
Video:
Overview:
For my first Arduino assignment, I created an unusual switch that does not require the use of hands. My switch is activated by pressing it with the foot, completing the circuit to light up two LEDs (red and blue). The idea was to create a physical interface that feels natural, intuitive, and accessible, something that could fit into everyday gestures like stepping, rather than pressing buttons with fingers.
Inspiration:
I was inspired to use the feet after thinking about how often we interact with objects using our hands, keyboards, phones, remotes, and how limiting that can be. I wanted to explore another part of the body to interact with technology in a more grounded and physical way.
The foot felt like an interesting choice because stepping on something has a clear and satisfying feedback, it’s an action that already feels like a switch. Plus, it connected to the idea of accessibility, making a device that could be triggered without hand movement.
Building Process
Since this was my first time ever using Arduino, I learned a lot through trial and error and by asking questions in the IM Lab. I gathered all the materials from the lab, mainly cardboard scraps, metal sheets, and wires.
Here’s how I built it:
- Base:
I used a folded piece of scrap cardboard to create a “step pad.” The bottom layer held the metal conductor (two rectangular aluminum sheets), while the top layer acted as a flexible pressure surface. - Wiring and Circuit:
I made my own extended wires since the ones in the kit were too short. Professor Mang showed me how to cut and separate the wires together safely. I then taped the two wires onto the cardboard so that when the top layer was pressed, the exposed wire ends touched the metal conductor, closing the circuit and turning on the LEDs. - Circuit Connection:
The switch was connected to an Arduino Uno and a breadboard. I programmed it so that when the circuit closed (when someone stepped on it), both red and blue LEDs would light up. - Interface Design:
To make it more intuitive and visually clear, I designed a quick cover on Canva that said “STEP ON ME,” giving the switch a fun and inviting personality. It also made the prototype feel more like a finished (polished) interactive product.
Overall Reflection:
I really enjoyed how hands-on this project was, literally using my feet instead of my hands. It helped me see how electronics can interact with the body in playful, unexpected ways. I liked that the result felt tactile and responsive, and it gave a sense of satisfaction when the LEDs lit up under my foot.
What I could improve next time:
- I would make the structure more durable using thicker cardboard or a sturdier base, since repeated stepping eventually weakened it.
- I wish I had more time to maybe figure out how to add all four different colored LED lights to make it look more visually appealing
- The wiring could be cleaner and more hidden, maybe integrated into the design itself for a more polished look.
Schematic:
This schematic illustrates how my foot-activated switch completes the circuit to power the red and blue LEDs. The 5V output from the Arduino flows through the LEDs and a 330Ω resistor to limit current. The circuit remains open until the metal conductor plates make contact, this happens when I press the cardboard switch with my foot. Once pressed, the metal pieces touch, closing the circuit and allowing current to flow, which lights up both LEDs. This simple setup demonstrates the bones of how my arduino circuit work and was the plan I followed to make building this project much easier.
Conclusion
This project taught me the basics of Arduino, digital input/output, and how creative thinking can shape how we interact with technology. Building a switch with my foot instead of my hand made me realize that interfaces don’t always need to follow convention, they can be playful, personal, and unexpected.