For this week’s Physical Computing assignment, we are challenged with using light to mark the passage of time. No sound, buttons, or sensors can be used, the “thing” has to be self contained in a container of our choosing/creation, and it cannot be connect to a computer while in use.

Here are my preliminary ideas:

• Technology timer – We learned how to wire wrap this week in class, and the thin 30 gauge wire reminded me of thread. With this is mind, I want to experiment with embedding LEDs into fabric. I think the challenge will be connecting the wearable item to the Arduino/breadboard, as some sort of wire will have to run along the body and the Arduino/breadboard container may be bulky to wear.

  My idea is to create a bracelet (or other wearable item) that can be programmed to be a timer. The lights will shine brightly and slowly fade out until they are all off and the amount of time has passed. I envision this being used as a timer that limits the amount of time spent “playing” with technology (checking email, facebook, etc.) and reminds you to put the computer down and read a book. Conversely, the time can be programmed to become brighter as time passes, encouraging reading a book or playing with your dog.

• Alarm Clock – I want to experiment with have my “thing” be at rest, but then programming it to shine LEDs at a later time, like an alarm clock. I want to gradually turn on more LEDs to gradually wake a (light) sleeper from their slumber.
• Global Clock – I want to create a thing that glows different colors to indicate different time of day. A red/orange glow would mean it’s daytime, a blue/dark glow would mean it’s night. This could be used to simulate the time of day in a remote destination. You can keep track of the time of a loved one living across the globe, or fantasize about living in your favorite vacation spot.