The Physical Computing Lab is about the design of user interfaces for interactive devices and objects. The course begins with an introduction to microcontroller platforms and sensor data processing. This semester''s topic is "motivational smart objects". These are objects that try to motivate users to do some task. The project topics comprise a smart cup that reminds people to drink enough and is happy if they do, a couch that makes itself uncomfortable after some time (through embedded vibration motors), a garbage bin that talks to you if it wants to be emptied, a fridge that suggests food, and a dumbbell that counts the number of times it gets lifted and cheers you on.
