Week 3

This week, we began with a session from Frazer Merrick on PCB design and manufacture. He explained the process of building a circuit and how PCBs can be useful for us. PCBs provide a reliable and compact way to connect electronic components, making designs more efficient and durable compared to breadboards or loose wiring. PCBs will allow me to move from prototypes to more polished, professional builds, which is crucial when developing functional robots or interactive installations. Understanding how to design and assemble them gives me greater control over my work and opens more possibilities for innovation. He also introduced us to EasyEDA – a way to design our own PCBs and order them from a manufacturer. 

Additionally, he introduced us to the work of Kelly Heaton, an artist who combines visual art with analogue electrical engineering. I found her art intriguing and decided to research her further, as her work really resonated with me. I am always looking for ways to combine art and computing, and I felt she managed to do this in such a beautiful way. 

In a workshop this week, I learned how to use Fusion to design a simple box, which served as an introduction to 3D modelling for my project. This experience gave me a solid foundation in the software and allowed me to explore its potential for more complex applications. With a clearer understanding of the tools, I went on to create my custom box design tailored to house specific components of my project, using my measurements to ensure a perfect fit. This skill will be useful for future prototyping and product development, where accurate, functional enclosures are essential.