Module Code - Title:
CS6351
-
PHYSICAL COMPUTING
Year Last Offered:
2025/6
Hours Per Week:
Grading Type:
N
Prerequisite Modules:
Rationale and Purpose of the Module:
Students develop their knowledge of physical computing in the context of interactive art, performance and interaction design through a combination of laboratory based small group project work and lecture based learning and research.
Syllabus:
The course will focus on physical computing as a method to explore contexts for interaction, art and performance. Students will design and build an interactice work e.g. a digital musical instrument, an interactive artwork, a new product. Students will focus on techniques such as body-storming and scenario based design as they develop their final prototypes. The module will culminate in an exhibition and/or musical performance where students will demonstrate their projects.
Key topics will include:
1. Sensor system implementation for interaction and performance;
2. Software implementation of real time performance systems;
3. Aesthetics of interaction in Digital Art;
4. Principles of musician computer interaction;
5. Mapping from human action to output;
Learning Outcomes:
Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)
On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:
1. Organise and execute a successful physical computing based artistic collaboration using microcontrollers, electronics and sensor systems.
2. Program real time and distributed software for audio and video.
3. Implement real time sensor based systems and environments for audio manipulation.
4. Critique technologically mediated art practice and music performance.
5. Demonstrate ability to work in collaborative small groups.
Affective (Attitudes and Values)
On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:
1. Produce work reflecting current practices in interactive art and performance.
2. Identify trends in current practice.
3. Discuss artistic, philosophical and aesthetic values in current practice.
Psychomotor (Physical Skills)
On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:
1. Design and create simple electronic circuits for interactive art works.
How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:
The module is delivered using a combination of lectures and problem based labs. Alongside this students develop their own projects. Learning to learn is a core part of the module delivery approach whereby students learn to get-to-grips with new (to them) technologies through analysis of datasheets, online research and practical experimentation.
Group work reinforces the development of strategies for successful collaboration. End of year exhibition and verbal and written examination reinforce the students need to articulate and communicate their thoughts clearly. Open ended briefs allow the development of the students creativity in defining problems and methods within the constraints of the subject matter.
Research Findings Incorporated in to the Syllabus (If Relevant):
Prime Texts:
Tom Igoe and Dan O Sullivan (2004)
hysical Computing: Sensing and Controlling the Physical World with Com
, Premier Press
Paul Dourish (2004)
Where the Action Is: The Foundations of Embodied Interaction
, MIT Press
Harold Thimbleby (2007)
Press On - Principles of Interaction Programming
, MIT Press
Tom Igoe (2007)
Making Things Talk: Practical Methods for Connecting Physical Objects
, Make
Other Relevant Texts:
Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:
Semester(s) Module is Offered:
Autumn
Module Leader:
Nicholas.Ward@ul.ie