COMM 386p 2016 Jan UBCCourse Notes

1

http://projectlab.engphys.ubc.ca/comm386p-2016/

Contacts - UBC Engineering Physics Project Lab, Hennings Room 115

Jon Nakane – jnakane@physics.ubc.ca / 604-822-2110

Bernhard Zender – bzender@physics.ubc.ca / 604-822-2961

Notable Edits• Feb 1 – Class 9 - added further links to software development for

Class 9.• Jan 27- updated schedule and pushed back Project2 until after

Reading Week.• Jan 12 – edits for Class 4, 5 and 6.• Jan 3 – first posting.

Revision History

To do before class:

Notes and info for the day:

Comm 386p 2016 Term2

Intro Session

• Course overview

• Quick view of prototype samples and electronics kits

• Practice using Learning Centre A/V facilities (from Creston AirMedia)

• For mac: airmedia_guest_os_x_1.0.5.6.dmg

• For Windows: airmedia_guest_windows_1.0.5.6.exe

• For ios/Anrdoid – search the main Creston AirMedia page, but could be buggy.

• CAD overview and Project0 (lego)

• Suggested CAD software (choose these, or any other ones you find which work for you):

• Solidworks (UBC download) - additional tps for intallation and setup (windows only. This is the standard software used by UBC Engineers)

• OnShape (runs in your web browser. Not yet tried for a class, but looks very good)

• TinkerCAD (another browser-based CAD tool. Easy to use, potentially hard to do complex shapes)

• Autodesk 123d Design (Windows and Mac. Nice looking but has been buggy and crashed in the past.)

• You are also welcome to use any other CAD tool that you have used in a previous course or experience and which you still have legitimate access at the present time.

•See next page for some CAD tips.

n/a

Mon Jan 4

Course Intro / CAD tools

2016 Jan 12 – corrected some typos, missing info about Windows versions.

2016 Jan 3 – initial writeup

Class 1

… continued from previous page.

Comm 386p 2016 Term2

Solidworks on a Mac (OSX):

• You can run Solidworks under Bootcamp using Windows 7, 8.1 or 10 (only 64-bit versions), but Solidworks does not appear to work under VirtualBox or Parallels. VMware looks like it will run)

• The official SolidWorks system requirements page says that Solidworks is not supported for Macs, even when running Windows under BootCamp (note 7 at bottom of page). However, according to SolidWorks, "not supported" means "might work, but we can't guarantee that it will work properly”

• Note that UBC Sauder does not have access to the Microsoft DreamSpark program – you will have to look for alternative ways to find a version of Windows to use Bootcamp to install windows on your computer. Info for using Bootcamp to install Windows:

• https://support.apple.com/en-ca/HT204990

• UBC Dreamspark Microsoft – for STEM-based programs only

Tutorials and guidanceFor any of the CAD packages, by far the best general resource is YouTube for providing guidance, tutorials, and troubleshooting.

Mon Jan 4

Class 1 (continued)

Revision History

To do before class:

Notes and info for the day:

Comm 386p 2016 Term2

Mech 1

• Come to class as normal. We will be heading over to view the following facilities in the Hennings and Hebb buildings. Call my cell (604-562-6524) if you are late and trying to catch up!

• Hennings room 115 – EngPhys Project Lab (drop-in area for you to work on your projects, storage area) Email Jon to get keycard access to the building and room for the term.

• Info on prototyping tools here -

• http://projectlab.engphys.ubc.ca/prototyping/

• Waterjet Cutter - cuts everything, not so great with brittle things.

• Laser Cutter - list of materials that can be cut (plastics that do not contain chlorine, wood, paper, cardboard) (no metal)

• 3D Printers - We have two Up! printers capable of printing in two types of plastics, ABS or PLA

Submit by 11pn on Connect - Assignment 0 (no marks)

Wed Jan 6

Tour of Fabrication Facilities

2016 Jan 3 – initial writeup

Class 2

4

Revision History

To do before class:

Notes and info for the day:

Comm 386p 2016 Term2

Mech2

• Task 1 - Ranking multiple versions of one common item (20min)

• Are there similarities between all of the “expensive” items? Between all of the “inexpensive” items?

• Is there a difference between which items you thought were expensive and which you would like to have yourself?

•Task 2 - Review personal items brought to class (20min)

• What made you think of these items?

• What characteristic of this item is particularly memorable or useful?

•Task 3 - Discuss how to Prototype specific items (20min)

• Take a random mixture of 5 to 10 items.

• Imagine that you are to build a prototype of each of these items for this COMM 386 course. With respect to the physical (non-electronic) components of these devices, classify the items into one of three categories:

• GroupA - items which you can imagine a “straightforward” way of making a working prototype.

• GroupC - items which you think are likely impossible to create a working prototype using our digital fabrication tools.

• GroupB - items which are somewhere in between A and C.

•

Bring to class any physical item which you appreciate and use regularly, or something which you find frustrating to use or operate.

In addition, you may also something which you would love to take apart to see how it operates, we’ll have tools available to tear it apart!

Mon Jan 11

Product Teardown / Parts Inspection

2016 Jan 12 – moved fabrication methods to later session (class 19)

2016 Jan 1 – initial writeup

Class 3

5

Revision History

To do before class:

Notes and info for the day:

Comm 386p 2016 Term2

Design1

• Sketching Practice

• C-Sketch - see one version of it here

• Primary materials available for waterjet/laser

• Acrylic (1/8” thickness)

• Foamcore

• Aluminum (0.032” thickness)

• Plywood (1/16” or 1/8” thickness)

• Converting files to waterjet/laser format (normally DXF format, but SVG is also usable)

• For OnShape, Solidworks, 123D - Search google for “DXF Export” for your CAD software

• For TInkerCAD – can save as SVG under the “Download for 3d Print” option

• General Laser Cutting File Tips (from Pololu)

• Extra - Modeling and Capture

• Autodesk 123d Catch – 3d capture from cell phone photos(someone built a life-side model of a blue whale using this software)

Submit by 11pn on Connect - Assignment1 (submit 3 potential ideas for Project1)

Wed Jan 13

Idea Generation and Capture

Jan 12 – info on materials, software help for generating files for waterjet/laser

2016 Jan 1 – initial writeup

Class 4

6

Revision History

To do before class:

Notes and info for the day:

Comm 386p 2016 Term2

Mech3

• Meet in the Engineering Design Centre, 3rd Floor (2345 East Mall)

• Video1 - Always wear goggles

• Video 2 – Intro to Hand Tools (you’ll make all these pieces)

• Video 3 – Making a mechanical finger

• At the end of the session, you will be given some electronics boards for you to take and use in preparation for the next class.

Please skim through the 3 videos listed below (you’ll be doing all of these activities)

No Sandals or open-toed shoes, and dress appropriately for hand-tool work.

Mon Jan 18

Hand Tools

2016 Jan 12 – added vidoes for mechanical finger activity.

Class 5

7

Revision History

To do before class:

Notes and info for the day:

Comm 386p 2016 Term2

Electronics1

• Part A (before class) - Install the software, then work through 2 videos.

• https://www.arduino.cc/en/Main/Software

• Arduino 01: Getting Started

• Arduino 02: Sketches (Programs)

•Next page for more info

Arduino - Work through Part A below. You will have time and equipment in class to work thorugh the rest of the activity.

Continue to prepare Project1 Files. To be submitted AFTER class, 11pm Wed Jan 20th.

Wed Jan 20

Arduino Microcontrollers and Circuits

2016 Jan 17 – updated to use APSC 101 videos.

2016 Jan 1 – initial writeup

Class 6

8

… continued from previous page.

Comm 386p 2016 Term2

Part B (to be done in class)

• Arduino 03: External Components, LEDs and Breadboards

• BAEN 541 Activity – Lights, Joysticks, LEDs.

• Added after class – Link to info on how to use other parts inside of the kit (speaker, photocell, etc):

• APSC 150 – more parts to use in the electronics kit

Alternative activities

Code and Schematics for Arduino 04 - 07

• Arduino 04 - Using the Servo Motor (for motion)

• Arduino 05 - Using the Sonar and Serial Monitor (for detecting distance)

• Arduino 06 - Servo, Serial Monitor, and External Switch

• Arduino 07 - Servo, Serial Monitor and Joystick

For additional Help:

• Refer to the Arduino Language Reference page and Tutorials

• Look for similar questions on the Arduino help forums,

• All of the APSC 101 videos are available on APSC 101 YouTube channel, and as a playlist here.

Wed Jan 20th

Class 6

Revision History

To do before class:

Notes and info for the day:

Comm 386p 2016 Term2

WorkSession1

• Time with Arduino Kits

• Time to discuss ideas for Project 2 (incorporating electronics + physical components into one prototype).

n/a

Mon Jan 25

Project2 Ideas

2016 Jan 27 – revised to note the classtime spent on Project2 discussions

Class 7

10

Revision History

To do before class:

Notes and info for the day:

Comm 386p 2016 Term2

Software 1

• Software Critique focusing on the side-by-side comparison of two different applications, and the evolution of a single website/app.

• Task 1 - Discuss the websites you selected (~30min)

• How have websites changed over time?

• Can you find general themes or changes among these changes?

• Do you like these changes?

• For all points, be as specific as you can.

• At your table, pick 2 representative websites to discuss with the rest of the class.

•Task 2- discuss and share with your phone

• Find mobile apps which both reinforce and

• Question – does anyone know how to easily view old apps?

• References:

• Internet Archive Wayback Machine

• https://developer.apple.com/library/ios/documentation/UserExperience/Conceptual/MobileHIG/

• https://www.google.com/design/spec/material-design/introduction.html

Assignment2 (readings + 3 websites or apps for review)

Wed Jan 27

Software Critiques / Elements of UI

2016 Jan 27 – update with class material

2016 Jan 1 – initial writeup

Class 8

11

Revision History

To do before class:

Notes and info for the day:

Comm 386p 2016 Term2

Review – Project1 + Software2

n/a

Software Overview – all available for Project 3

• Part1 - Suggested Software for Wireframe / Prototypes (all free for 1 or 2 projects, all browser-based)

• Moqups

• Example - JOMO / OnlyU

• InVision Web and mobile prototyping

• Example - QuickPick

• Fluid UI Mobile prototyping

• Example - MineralMind

• Part2 – Interactive Software (for those that would like to try to build an interactive working demo for Project 3, starting with the example code supplied in the package. Will learn to program, but potentially less steep learning curve than Part3 software)

• Processing.org

• http://www.openprocessing.org/

• Tangible Interaction

• Part3 - Hardcore Software (develop prototypes which can be used as the basis for actual real user interfaces. Not recommended for people with no programming experience)

• Qt (open source)

• Origami (from facebook, for macs)

Mon Feb 1

Examine Project1 Parts / Software Prototyping Tools

2016 Feb 1 – updated software examples shown in class

2016 Jan 1 – initial writeup

Class 9

12

Revision History

To do before class:

Notes and info for the day:

Comm 386p 2016 Term2

Software 2

• Project 2 Fabrication:

• All CAD files for production before the start of Reading Week must be submitted by Friday 9am of this week.

• Files can be submitted throughout Reading Week to be produced as well, for pickup and completion by Mon Feb 22nd.

• Next week Monday’s class is cancelled (Family Day), followed by the Project 2 review day.

n/a

Wed Feb 3

2016 Jan 1 – initial writeup

Class 10

13

WorkSession2

Revision History

To do before class:

Notes and info for the day:

Comm 386p 2016 Term2

Software 3

• Condensed Design Sprint Session

• We will attempt to do the “Monday:Unpack” and “Tuesday:Sketch” portions

• Last class before reading week!

Assignment3:

Listen to this: Fake it ‘Til You Make It (It’s 30min long, but I think it’ll be easy to digest)

Read this: Google Ventures – Guide to Design Sprints for Sofware

Submit your potential software idea.

Wed Feb 10

Design Sprint

2016 Jan 1 – initial writeup

Class 11

14

Revision History

To do before class:

Notes and info for the day:

Comm 386p 2016 Term2

WorkSession3

• Addional time to work on Project 2 items, for review by the class during the next Wednesday Feb 24th.

n/a

Mon Feb 22

2016 Jan 1 – initial writeup

Class 12

15

Revision History

To do before class:

Notes and info for the day:

Comm 386p 2016 Term2

Review – Project2

• Bring along your prototype, and your 1-page summary.

• You will be demonstrating your prototype to the class, as well as doing peer reviews of each of the projects.

• You have until 11pm the night before the next class to submit your peer review, but you are encouraged to do this before the Friday while the ideas are fresh in your mind.

Wed Feb 24

Class 11

Class 13

16

Revision History

To do before class:

Notes and info for the day:

Comm 386p 2016 Term2

Design3

• Exercise in critiquing and editing Data Gathering Examples.

Assign4 – Readings on Data Gathering and Analysis (to be posted just before Reading Week)

Wed Feb 29

Data Gathering and Analysis

2016 Jan 1 – initial writeup

Class 14

17

Revision History

To do before class:

Notes and info for the day:

Comm 386p 2016 Term2

Review – Project3

Project3 – submit a link or the source files for your Project3 Software Prototype.

Wed Mar 2

Software Demos and Critiques

2016 Jan 1 – initial writeup

Class 15

18

Revision History

To do before class:

Notes and info for the day:

Comm 386p 2016 Term2

Electronics2

• Catalog Hunting (searching for novel + mundane item search)

• Fabrications, outsourcing, project ideas

• Examples:

• TINAH development

• MacroFab PCB development (used by an ENPH student for PCB prototyping)

n/a

Mon Mar 7

Fabrication, Outsourcing, and Parts Identification

2016 Jan 1 – initial writeup

Class 16

19

Revision History

To do before class:

Notes and info for the day:

Comm 386p 2016 Term2

__Software 4 / Electronics 3

• Functional software with limited functionality

• (vendor sites / interaction with mobile / survey)

n/a

Wed Mar 9

Functional Software and Electronics

2016 Jan 1 – initial writeup

Class 17

20

Revision History

To do before class:

Notes and info for the day:

Comm 386p 2016 Term2

Review – Project4

n/a

2016 Jan 1 – initial writeup

Class 18

21

Revision History

To do before class:

Notes and info for the day:

Comm 386p 2016 Term2

Mech 4

• Outsourcing Manufacturing

• Online pricing for fabrication services

• Potential guest from on-campus company to discuss fabrication of components.

• Identification of likely methods of fabrication:

• Sheet metal dies and tools

• Sheet metal mass-manufacturing

• injection molding (single unit)

• Injection Molding of Lego (lots of units)

• Electric bike – motor hub windings

n/a

Wed Mar 16

Outsourcing

2016 Jan 1 – initial writeup

Class 19

22

Revision History

To do before class:

Notes and info for the day:

Comm 386p 2016 Term2

Design5

• Computer interaction

• (Interfacing/ recording/ controlling)

n/a

Mon Mar 21

Pitching Novel Technologies

2016 Jan 1 – initial writeup

Class 20

23

Revision History

To do before class:

Notes and info for the day:

Comm 386p 2016 Term2

WorkSession1

• No scheduled class material, but drop by for assistance with your Project 5 work.

• Project 5 Fabrication:

• All CAD files for production must be submitted by Friday 9am of this week to be guaranteed ready by the Part1 class.

Wed Mar 23

Wed Mar 23

2016 Jan 1 – initial writeup

Class 21

24

Revision History

To do before class:

Notes and info for the day:

Comm 386p 2016 Term2

Review – Project5 – Part1

2016 Jan 1 – initial writeup

Wed Mar30

Class 22

25

Revision History

To do before class:

Notes and info for the day:

Comm 386p 2016 Term2

Review – Project5 – Part2

2016 Jan 1 – initial writeup

Mon Apr 4

Class 23

26

Revision History

To do before class:

Notes and info for the day:

Comm 386p 2016 Term2

Final Session

• Peer Review Assessment

PeerReview (Project 5)

Wed Apr 6

2016 Jan 1 – initial writeup

Class 24

27