Physical Computing

Often defined as the study of technology that allows computer input and output, or in my more relevant sense building interactive physical things that function on hardware and software, physical computing is what I will start to use on a regular basis if I am indeed to establish myself in the digital arts.

Artists, in the broadest sense, use any means of expression with any medium available to them. Developing technology is no stranger to this process, and therefore proliferates in so many forms. Artists will approach developing technology with the same curiosity to all traditional mediums, and will find the same urge to communicate ideas.

I had a few lessons on this, which involved demonstrative use of the Arduino single-board microcontroller, an open-source electronics platform for artists, designers and hobbyists creating interactive objects and environments. The coding software for the Arduino is also free to download. The software, as was demonstrated by my tutor, provides the platform for coding what you want your product to do.

This is how the software generally looks, which functions on html (something I still have limited knowledge on):

Arduino is another potential avenue to pursue my project in.