Where I started …
I started my bachelor’s without prototyping experience. I learned to use an Arduino with different sensors and actuators, and develop visuals using Processing. Consequently, I also grew in making schematics and house electronics in a proper way. I completed my bachelor’s by exploring another way of realizing a prototype: making an Android application. Through working in multi-disciplinary teams, I gained experience in communicating and understanding their practices.
Creative Programming creating a visual using code. 
Bachelor project 1 using Arduino to control a vibration motor. 
Creative electronic course prototype using a more elaborate circuit to control a led light’s color and intensity. 
Creative electronics prototype schematics. 
Engineering Design prototype using infrared sensor and actuator to determine if the hand device points at the middle of the overhead bowling construction (for blind bowlers). 
Cardboard modeling coffee machine prototype using multiple motors (servo, DC, stepper) and led lights 
Interdisciplinary Innovation course part of a prototype, an ESP with humidity sensor communicating to a Raspberry Pi when being triggered (by steam). 
Interdisciplinary Innovation Raspberry Pi being triggered, a photo is taken. 
B2.2 project with Arduino and lights in a protective lasercut case. 
B3.2 wireframe of the Android application, a critical design on the influence of digital surveillance.
… how I continued …
For M1.1 I took the lead in developing the behaviour of the social robot. Whereas bachelor prototypes focused purely on functionality, this challenged me to create a more elaborate experience. Using servo motors to create movement and led-rings for eyes, I advanced my programming skills to demonstrate a seemingly alive robot. By then, I felt confident in using Arduino with common sensors and actuators, thus I sought more ways of creating interaction. I was introduced to a copper touchpad, NFC interaction, and the by heat actuated UniMorph system in the DUIET course.
By becoming research-focused, prototypes become functional to support study purposes. I dedicated M2.1 to become more critical in using the appropriate technology to create an experience and broaden collaboration with engineers from other disciplines at CWI. For example, I chose a Lofelt-L5 actuator to create high-quality vibrations and a Peltier element for thermal actuation.
M1.1 social robot Bulb’s behavior through the day (image made with Charlotte Bording). 
DUIET copper tocuhpad for interacting with the Arduino. 
DUIET NFC for interacting with the Arduino. 
DUIET UniMorph heat actuation for visual feedback by curling up when heated (when the circuit is closed). 
M2.1 prototype setup of the vibration and temperature stimuli. 
M2.1 prototype is use during study providing vibration and temperature stimuli while watching news videos.
- Report M1.1 (as pictorial submission): here , video on movement exploration: here , final behaviour video: here , and the code creating the behaviour: here
- Videos DUIET copper touchpad: here, NFC interaction: here , and UniMorph system: here
- Report M2.1: here , code of the prototype: here , and video showing study walk-through: here
… and where I’m headed.
I complete my master exploring a technology I became very passionate about: virtual reality (VR). Using Unity, with Unity’s courses and documentation, I advanced quickly on the essentials of VR development. Arduino skills proved useful for creating the C#-scripts to build custom functionality in the VR environment. CWI’s VR expertise proved useful for troubleshooting encountered issues. Although their solutions were complicated for me to follow at first, I learned more about VR development through applying their methods.
As I feel there is much for me to learn about VR development, and the domain is also constantly changing, I want to continue with Unity’s courses to become a certified VR design developer. By combining this with my Arduino skills, I see potential for being unique in the market.
Simone Ooms 