Build Brighton R&D Day 3: Lego Matrix - how can lego be used to teach children aged 4 about dot matrix pixel coding

David, Hannah + Nic

We discussed the possibilities of integrating a 8x8 LED Matrix into CommuniToy toy hacks.

One idea is to make a Lego interface to be used to teach children aged 4+ how to turn on LED's on a LED Matrix. This playful interface could be used to teach how pixel graphics are generated. Above is a first stage example of how the system works.

It's possible to create more complex versions, which are colour specific (i.e. a red Lego brick will turn on a red LED, or a blue Lego brick a blue LED). 

The 8x8 LED Matrix would be a fun digital component to integrate into a toy hack. 

We could make a CommuniToy version of the classic three wise monkeys, which are digital interfaces;

See no evil = LED Matrix

Hear no evil = microphone recorder

Speak no evil = speaker

We also further discussed how a larger LED Matrix can work if installed into a portable flight case, also containing an Arduino, Raspberry Pi, PSU, and instructions. We turn the case project into a multi-group collaborative workshop by making 6 x cases containing the same equipment. Each case could be used by a group to design digital LED characters, and a maze to play in. All the case could be connected together to form a giant maze, and provide a multiplayer inter-connected maze game.

Check out the 8x8 RGB LED Matrix below;

Purchase from here in uk

We have purchased 4 x 8x8 RGB LED Martix from Hong Kong on ebay to test!

Bespoke CommuniToys
CommuniToy Kits

Build Brighton R&D Day 2 - Nic Seymour - Smith: Possible future collaborator: LED Matrix Panels

Hannah, David, Chris + Nic Seymour-Smith

Today was our second Build Brighton Maker Space day. We met Nic Seymour-Smith, awesome chap who is a technologist freelancer specialising in electronic hardware, and digital interfaces.

Nic's research, and work is very interesting, really into the PH6 LED display game (could be similar to above), it would be amazing to create a workshop for young people, who can design a game/animation to be installed in a pubic place during the Brighton Digital Festival. We have a venue for this and can provide established links with young people: )

LED matrix

Could also make a travelling portable flight case version of this idea using Arduino and Processing.
Nic is already working with Python, but could convert to processing.

Bespoke CommuniToy

Exploring Senses join local 'Build Brighton' hackspace: 5th Feb 2014

We are very excited to now be members of Build Brighton the local hackspace. We now have access to lots of ace equipment which we can use in our Arts Council R&D project.

Arts Council

R&D lab

IdentiToy
Robotic CommuniToy
Bespoke CommuniToy
CommuniToy Kits

Build Brighton R&D Day 1 - Yipee newbies first day hat the hack space!!: )

Chris and Dave visited the Build Brighton Hackspace. Took lots of photos of the equipment available to use (see below). Chris spent time calibrating the Vinyl cutter machine, and checking out the CNC machine. We will be using both of these machines to make bespoke Toy Hacks.

Bespoke CommuniToys
Robotic CommuniToys

Jason Freeny - an interesting artists who also recycles toys to make new creations using Epoxy Clay

Check theses links out;

http://www.moistproduction.com/Menu/index.html

http://abduzeedo.com/character-anatomy-sculptures-jason-freeny

http://designyoutrust.com/2012/01/toy-dissector-jason-freeny-in-rare-interview/

Great time lapse film in this blog post detailing Jason making a sculpture from start to finish;



http://www.dontpaniconline.com/magazine/arts/jason-freeny

Check out the making process in more detail with photos and text;

http://design.org/blog/anatomy-lego-man-toy-and-sculpture-hybrid-jason-freeny

In the past Jason has also made toys for Ron English; think might be made or inspired by him;

http://www.theoutsiders.net/item/8190,grin-limited-edition-toy

Making process, Jason uses Epoxy Clay and paints afterwards; possibly acrylic paint.

Facts about Epoxy Clay, Majic Sculpt

More facts from magicsculpt.com

Q I have some epoxy resin pigments...would I be able to use these to with magic
sculp? If so how much should be used?
thanks
-stevenA Should work ok depending on compatibility.  You will have to experiment with ratios, however, to find the best mix.  There are no formulas that I am aware of.

Chuck

---

Today we purchase 1 x 400g White MagicSculpt the Uk website = £16.98 inc shipping (£3.99)

We will test the Magic Sculpt to make bespoke limbs for Toy Hack sculptures and add pigments for extra colour choices.

Bespoke CommuniToys

Coney Workshop Booked - Building adventures for the classroom

At the Brighton and Hove Arts Express Meeting yesterday I met Rosalie from the Shoreham Undercurrent festival. They were promoting this workshop below, which will inspire and inform the CommuniToy Performances we are exploring in our R&D. Coneys work is immersive, fun and i am excited about applying some of their approaches to CommuniToy :)

CommuniToy Performances

Coney Workshop - Building adventures for the classroom

As part of Undercurrent Festival 2014 we’re very pleased to be bringing A Cat Escapes to 300 primary school children in February. As part of this, we’ll be holding two workshops with Undercurrent on the 20th of March that will help artists and teachers build their very own adventures for the classroom, using our award winning Adventures in Learning as inspiration. Coney co-director Tom Bowtell and myself, producer of Adventures in Learning, will be leading the sessions.
Read on for full details, and we hope to see you there!
Alex Rowse
—

Build Your Own Adventure (for teachers)

This CPD Session is open to KS2 teachers in East and West Sussex. Teachers will use gaming mechanisms, teacher-in-role techniques and interactive narratives to build their own curriculum based adventure for the classroom.

Build Your Own Adventure (for artists)

This professional development session is open to writers, performers, game makers, facilitators and set/prop designers. Drawing on the new primary curriculum artists will use gaming mechanisms, responsive writing and character design for interactive stories to create their own adventures for educational contexts.

Both sessions take place in Sussex on Thursday 20th March.

Venue: Blast Theory
Teachers’ session 1-4pm
Artists’ session 5-8pm
£8 per attendee

For more information and to book your place email rosalie@theundercurrent.co.uk

Group Meeting Number 1

Areas we are Researching ideas discussed at first meeting. We selected people to take a lead on areas, and to feedback developments at the next meeting.

• IdentiToy - Louis

-Turn your toy into a real life puppet

- Tracking methods

- Kinect currently to laggy

- Kinect two out in May/June

- 3D scanning

- making interactive programs talk together

• Robotic CommuniToy - Chris 

- Servos best options

- Best methods to deliver in accessible workshops  - jitterbugs? wheeled hacks?

- Raseberry pi controlling?

- Lego Mindstorm

• CommuniToy Animations - Louis and David

- look at platforms in animations

- i stop motion

- green screen

- puppet tolls - hungarian puppet software - David look at

- the bemuda tapes - 2D hand drawn animations

- Animata

• Bespoke CommuniToys - Hannah and David

- introducing to Tuesday nights at Emmaus sessions as a project

- Wood turner ?

- router ?

- sourcing materials

- bespoke fabric

• CommuniToy Kits - Chris and David

- look at components - companies

- pencil cases - with kit

- workshops run in science festival

- robot remote control cones -£100 for 1 cone - handdrill argo

- sugru and lego - modular

- motors

- LEDs

• CommuniToy Performances - Hannah and Charlotte

- Cardboard costumes

- Meeting to include Charlotte and Matt

- look up training

• Other Items discussed

Creating Project Blog - Hannah to set up on blogger 

Build Brighton Access - David sorting and keys

Equipment needed and Ordering materials- Source and discuss with David