In this hands-on lecture the students will learn the basics of electronics and programming in order to develop interactive art & design projects with microcontrollers — Arduino, Teensy 3.1 and/or LilyPad. The program will focus on tangible HCI interfaces, DIY and hacking strategies, using nonconformist materials (such as clay, plants, fruits, e-waste) to build hardware.

The students will be encouraged to create their own projects inspired by DIY and open source communities

By the means of examples and practical exercises the following topics will by gradually developed:

• Electronic fundamental principles, basic units and their correlation
• Appliance classes, safety regulations and precautions
• Electronic components (active/passive, linear/non-linear, discrete/integrated)
• Basic circuits
• Dimensioning of (very) simple circuits
• Controlling LEDs, motors, sensors
• Operational safety & reliability of electrical circuits for exhibitions

For the successful completion of the course the following criteria will be used:

• Constant and punctual participation (min. 70% attendance, 50% of the grade)
• Active participation in the practical exercises (50%  of the grade)