SeaLight
OVERVIEW Experimental Design is a course that has challenged me to think outside the box and has taught me new ways to design. We learned about circuitry throughout the course and how you can apply that to design concepts. Along with circuitry, we were also introduced to 3D printing. My team and I were influenced by a more simple design concept, and wanted to use a circuit that created light. We focused on a way to be familiar with our project, but also be original and fun. We explored many different options for how we were going to execute our ideas, using different color lights, 3D printing, and also laser cutting.
THE TEAM
Shannon Bergmaier
Hadassah Henry
Grace Huntowski
PROJECT GOAL The overall goal of our project, SeaLight, was to design a fun night light that was also interchangeable. We wanted to provide different options of sea animal boxes that someone could change quick and efficiently. We wanted a simple design that had unique features, making our product more desirable.
MATERIALS In order to create the project we wanted, we needed to have the right materials. We ordered the Adafruit circuit board, plywood, and transparent 3D filament. We also ordered plexiglas in case the 3D printer wouldn’t work the way we needed it to.
We used the Adafruit Circuit playground to program our lights. This circuit board has many features, including 10 mini NeoPixels. It also has two switches that would allow us to turn the lights on and off. We can also hook the board up to a battery instead of plugging it into a computer, allowing us to move the lights as we wish.
We wanted a more simple look to the night lights structure, so we chose to use plywood. It also allowed us to laser cut different animals, and create a more aesthetically pleasing design.
For the inside of our night light, we needed some kind of wall or glass that would help allow light to shine through. We decided to use transparent 3D filament. We also wanted to incorporate 3D printing in our design, and this was the best way we could.
PROCESS RESEARCH Before we knew what we wanted to do for our project, we had to research different ideas. We found many interesting ideas that used circuitry with design. Through our research though, and after hours of discussing, we agreed that a form of a night light would be fun to make. We then sketched some ideas on how we were going to create the night light itself.
SKETCHES
DESIGN For our night lights design, we got our inspiration from a lantern that was laser cut as well. We also decided to use notches to hold the boxes together to add more character, and strength. We each did a different size box, and different see animal. The starfish is 5x5, the turtle is 5x6, and the jellyfish is 5x7. We also created a base for the boxes, that each one could fit into (since the idea is for the night lights to be interchangeable). We also stuck to a more simple design to the animals but also adding more intricate details. Each piece has a consistent design structure to it, that connects each piece.
LASER CUTTING We wanted to incorporate laser cutting to make the night light look handmade. Using the wood adds a elegant and subtle touch to the whole piece, and it was also a way to use a new type of technology in our project. Each of us created a unique design on Illustrator, and learned how to format them according to work with the laser cutter software. One key part to making sure the Illustrator file will cut, we needed to make the stroke size 0.001px.
3D PRINTING Using 3D printing was one of our top ideas for the night light, but at first, we weren’t sure how we wanted to incorporate it. Before settling on 3D printing, we were going to use plexiglas for the sides of the box, but after thinking about how we wanted the light to shine through, 3D printing worked best. The look of the transparent filament gave the light color a more muffled effect, still allowing the light to shine through.
CODING THE ADAFRUIT The code we had to use for the Adafruit circuit playground was very different than other code we learned throughout the semester. By collaborating with others, we were able to figure out how to make the light work somewhat efficiently. To summarize how the code in the picture works: -We first had to declare which switch would turn on the lights, and which one turns them off. -Then, we went through and placed the colors we wanted the lights to change to, that way there would be variety. -The lights are coded in a while loop, which allows all the lights to run through with a delay in between. The delay controls how fast the lights change color.
POWER SOURCE For our light, we used the Adafruit circuit playground board. To get the look we desired (not having to plug the night light in anywhere), we connected the circuit board to a battery, that way it can be on its own.
FINAL PROJECT To recap, our project is called SeaLight. It is an interchangeable night light, that has alternating colors. We focused on three specific sea creatures: Starfish, Turtle, and Jellyfish. We made each night light a different size to add variety and more character.
Challenges seemed to follow us through our project from the very start. Brainstorming ideas for what we would make was very hard for the three of use. We each had our own idea of how it should look, so coming to a agreement took some time. More challenges were with the laser cutter and 3D printer. We had a scare as we were cutting when the laser cutter broke. Thankfully it was up and running a few days later, but it did put us behind. The 3D printer wasn’t as much trouble, but we did have some mess ups and finding time to be able to babysit it was challenging.
Lastly, the code. Coding for the circuit playground was very different than other coding we have done thus far, so that was a fun time researching for something that would work. We fortunately received help from a fellow student, but even still, the code doesn’t work perfectly.
CHALLENGES
DISAPPOINTMENTS There were a few disappointments for our project, the main one being our code. We weren’t able to get it to work 100%, so the on and off switches for the circuit board don’t work perfectly. The other disappointment I personally had for my piece, was the fact that the 3D print didn’t print off perfectly on all four sheets. Two of them had a few imperfections, but thankfully, not bad enough to be noticeable.
TROUBLE SHOOTING Solving the problems we came across took time, but it wasn’t impossible. Through the help of others, research, and patience, we overcame our obstacles. We had to communicate and be open to the ideas we each had. We also had to split up the work, to take some of the stress off each other.
FEEDBACK
Meghan Hosan Meghan liked how we didn’t use glass and that we 3D printed the sides. She also thought the interchangeable concept was really cool, especially with the variety of animals to chose from. She commented on how the changing colors worked well and reminded her of the sea.
Jenna Fargo Jenna loved that the colors change! She also enjoyed that we used wood for the design, saying it made it look more homemade. She also thinks it worked that you don’t have to plug the light into the wall for it to turn on, but instead can put it anywhere.
Professor Robinson Jeri loved the intricate design and the fact that we 3D printed the sides of the box. She also thought the consistency through out the pieces worked nicely. She had a hard time turning the lights on though, since there weren’t any clear directions. She said it would be good to clarify, but regardless, the changing colors was pretty awesome.
WHAT I LEARNED I learned many valuable things throughout this course, one being teamwork. Working with Hadassah and Grace was a challenge, but we became closer in the end. When I work for a company, I will have to work with others and collaborate ideas. Learning how to work through that type of problem solving will be verybeneficial to me in the future. I also learned a lot about myself and how far I can go with my creativity. I never thought I would 3D print anything, and though it was a simple print, I was able to experience it. I also learned about circuitry and how that can relate to design. I wasn’t a big fan of that aspect, but I know it will benefit me in the long run. Looking back, regardless of all the stress, this project was a lot of fun to make. It was challenging, thought provoking, and such an accomplishment. I’m excited to take the knowledge I learned during this time, and put it toward my future.
VIDEO
EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN
SHANNON BERGMAIER