We will use a range of tools to produce output in industry standard formats (PDF, STL etc.) Our primary platform will be Processing, a Java-based coding tool that facilitates experimentation with coded processes without the constraints of conventional CAD software or design tools.
To describe 2D and 3D structures in code we will rely heavily on principles from computational geometry. An understanding of mathematical concepts like vectors and trigonometry is essential, as these are the atomic units of geometry. These topics are introduced as part of the course, along with strategies to simplify the math involved through helpful workflows and existing code. The real challenge is not math, but rather the translation of spatial ideas into code. Sharing of code and other resources will be done through Dropbox and Github.
To this end we will use libraries like Modelbuilder, Toxiclibs.org and Hemesh. These libraries extend the core functionality of Processing, providing higher-level abstractions that aid in the articulation and manipulation of geometry. From the basic task of constructing a valid 3D mesh to more advanced concepts like physical simulation and kinetic behavior, most challenges will be resolved through a combination of hands-on code and knowing when to use an existing tool.
Other possible tools include Rhino/Grasshopper, Meshlab, Netfabb and Pepakura, as well as any CAD or Open Source software participants may find helpful in their chosen projects.
Adafruit publishes a wide range of writing and video content, including interviews and reporting on the maker market and the wider technology world. Our standards page is intended as a guide to best practices that Adafruit uses, as well as an outline of the ethical standards Adafruit aspires to. While Adafruit is not an independent journalistic institution, Adafruit strives to be a fair, informative, and positive voice within the community – check it out here: adafruit.com/editorialstandards
Stop breadboarding and soldering – start making immediately! Adafruit’s Circuit Playground is jam-packed with LEDs, sensors, buttons, alligator clip pads and more. Build projects with Circuit Playground in a few minutes with the drag-and-drop MakeCode programming site, learn computer science using the CS Discoveries class on code.org, jump into CircuitPython to learn Python and hardware together, TinyGO, or even use the Arduino IDE. Circuit Playground Express is the newest and best Circuit Playground board, with support for CircuitPython, MakeCode, and Arduino. It has a powerful processor, 10 NeoPixels, mini speaker, InfraRed receive and transmit, two buttons, a switch, 14 alligator clip pads, and lots of sensors: capacitive touch, IR proximity, temperature, light, motion and sound. A whole wide world of electronics and coding is waiting for you, and it fits in the palm of your hand.
Have an amazing project to share? The Electronics Show and Tell is every Wednesday at 7pm ET! To join, head over to YouTube and check out the show’s live chat – we’ll post the link there.
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