开源硬件与编程 55006901

Open-source Hardware and Programming 2025

Course Director: Saverio Silli, Vice-Director of Fablab Shanghai, D&I
Language: English (with support for bilingual technical terms)
Course Level: First Year
Time: Wednesday 13:30 to 16:15, Darkroom Lecture Hall

Detailed schedule

Class 1 - Introduction of the Course

Class 2 - Arduino Introduction

Class 3 - Arduino on a Breadboard

Class 4 - Programming Microcontrollers

Class 5 - Communication protocols

Class 6 - Laser Cutting 3D structures

Class 7 - Opensource+Wearables

Class 8 - Input devices

Class 9 - Output devices

Class 10 - Mid Term Project - WIP1

Class 11 - Mid Term Project - WIP2

Class 12 - Mid Term Project - Presentation

Class 13 - Final Project - Design Challenge launch

Class 14 - Final Project - Ideation

Class 15 - Final Project - Prototyping

Class 16 - Final Project - Test

Class 17 - Final Project Presentation

Course Overview

This course, Open-source Hardware and Programming, is designed to introduce first-year students to the exciting world of physical computing and interaction design using Open Source Hardware systems, with a strong emphasis on Arduino-based prototyping. The course is not just about learning how to build electronic circuits or program microcontrollers—it’s about understanding how humans interact with technology in meaningful ways, and how designers can create devices that resonate emotionally and functionally with users.

Philosophy

At its core, this course is about designing interactions, not just devices. We focus on the physical and emotional connection between humans and machines, exploring how people touch, see, hear, and feel when interacting with electronic systems. Unlike courses that prioritize automation or artificial intelligence, we emphasize the human element—how people think, feel, and behave when using technology. This approach aligns with the broader mission of D&I to foster creativity, innovation, and human-centered design.

Key Themes

• Physical Interactions: We prioritize non-screen interactions, encouraging students to explore how sound, touch, light, and movement can create engaging and intuitive user experiences. For example, how can a device respond to a clap, a gesture, or a change in light, rather than touching a screen?

• Storytelling & Design Thinking: Students will learn to use storytelling techniques to visualize and design interactions. By creating personas and scenarios, they will better understand how users might engage with their devices, foresee potential challenges, and design more intuitive and meaningful interactions.

• AI as a Tool, Not a Decision-Maker: From the first week, students will use AI tools to assist in brainstorming, debugging, and organizing data. However, the final creative and technical decisions will always remain in the hands of the students. This approach ensures that AI enhances, rather than replaces, human creativity and critical thinking.

• Hands-On Prototyping: The course is deeply rooted in a hands-on, iterative approach to design. Students will learn by doing—building rough, functional prototypes that allow them to test and refine their ideas in the real world. This process emphasizes learning through failure and iteration, fostering resilience and problem-solving skills.
• Sustainability & Ethics: Students will be encouraged to consider the environmental and ethical implications of their designs. This includes using recycled materials, minimizing waste, and designing devices that are not only functional but also sustainable and socially responsible.

Course Goals

• Understand the fundamentals of electronic circuits, microcontrollers, and physical computing.
• Design and prototype interactive devices that prioritize human-centered interactions.
• Use AI tools to enhance their design process while maintaining creative control.
• Apply storytelling and design thinking techniques to create meaningful and intuitive interactions.
• Develop critical thinking skills through iterative prototyping, peer critique, and reflective practice.
• Work collaboratively in teams to solve complex design challenges, preparing them for real-world interdisciplinary projects.

Why This Course Matters

In a world increasingly dominated by screens and automation, this course offers a refreshing perspective: technology should enhance human experiences, not replace them. By focusing on physical interactions and human-centered design, students will learn to create devices that are not only functional but also emotionally resonant and intuitive to use. This approach is essential for the next generation of designers, who will need to navigate the complexities of a rapidly changing technological landscape while keeping the human experience at the forefront.

Integration of AI

AI will play a supportive role throughout the course, helping students with tasks such as:

• Brainstorming ideas for projects and interactions.
• Debugging code and troubleshooting technical issues.
• Organizing and analyzing data from sensors and user testing.
• Generating documentation and visualizations for their projects.

However, the course emphasizes that AI is a tool or assistant, not a decision-maker. Students will learn to use AI to enhance their creativity and efficiency, but the final design decisions will always be theirs.

Final Note

This course is designed to be challenging but rewarding. It will push students to think critically, work collaboratively, and embrace failure as a natural part of the design process. By the end of the course, students will not only have a portfolio of functional prototypes but also a deeper understanding of how to design technology that truly serves people.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, students will be able to:

1. Design and prototype electronic circuits using Open Source Hardware.
2. Program microcontrollers and integrate sensors/actuators for physical interactions.
3. Apply design thinking and storytelling techniques to create meaningful interactions.
4. Use AI tools to create code, debug issues, analyze data while maintaining creative control.
5. Critically evaluate and iterate on designs through peer and instructor feedback.
6. Fabricate functional prototypes using laser cutting, 3D structures, and recycled materials.

Grading

The easiest way to pass this course and get a good score is by attending class regularly and be active and participating in all the activities with proactivity and enthusiasm. Ask questions, share your ideas, propose your points of view, speak your mind.

Weekly Participation	25%
Mid-term individual Project	30%
Final group Project	30%
Attendance	15%