You can follow along with Indigo’s adventures on her blog here

you can also find her on twitter @indigoindigo

Indigo’s next local show will be “Paint Your Faith Vancouver” April 21- 28.
Follow @paintyourfatih on twitter or check the facebook event

Hardware Hacking : Interactive Devices

There’s a growing grass-roots movement of people who are taking part in the hitherto hermetically sealed world of interactive device design. No longer are you limited to products available at your local dealer; from circuit bending to microcontrollers the open source hardware movement brings you more™.

MAKE Magazine exemplifies the spirit of this movement with its open approach to sharing knowledge. Along with providing great information resources, MAKE has an online store where they provide hardware and supplies for people ready to get into hardware hacking. We recently bought a couple Arduino kits from MAKE magazine:
Getting Started with Arduino Kit
Arduino Projects Pack

The Arduino is basically a tiny little computer which can be easily programmed and used to build the interactive device of your dreams. You write programs for it on your computer and then load them to the Arduino via USB. Once the Arduino is programmed, it becomes a stand-alone device which does whatever you program it to as soon as you turn it on.

Making Sound with the Arduino

I had some ideas about how to make sound with an Arduino, but in the end I didn’t have to go through too much trial and error thanks to an article called Arduino Sound Part 2: Hello World, Created by David Fowler of uCHobby.com

In David’s article he shows how to make a very simple program and circuit that will turn an Arduino into a sound generator.

I copied David’s code into the Arduino IDE, with just one change; I wanted to use output pin 13 whereas David had written his code to work with output number 9.

Here’s the original code:

//Arduino Sound Hello World
//Created by David Fowler of uCHobby.com
//Define the I/O pin we will use for our sound output
#define SOUNDOUT_PIN 9

void setup(void){
//Set the sound out pin to output mode
pinMode(SOUNDOUT_PIN,OUTPUT);
}

void loop(void){
//Generate sound by toggling the I/O pin High and Low
//Generate a 1KHz tone. set the pin high for 500uS then
//low for 500uS to make the period 1ms or 1KHz.

//Set the pin high and delay for 1/2 a cycle of 1KHz, 500uS.
digitalWrite(SOUNDOUT_PIN,HIGH);
delayMicroseconds(500);

//Set the pin low and delay for 1/2 a cycle of 1KHz, 500uS.
digitalWrite(SOUNDOUT_PIN,LOW);
delayMicroseconds(500);
}

This much worked perfectly for the generation of a simple tone, but I wanted to add some user interaction, so I found this article about using a potentiometer on the Arduino website and made some changes to my code.

Here’s the finalized code modified to support an input from a potentiometer:

// Arduino Sound Hello World
// thanks to David Fowler of uCHobby.com for his informative article and
// the majority of this code
// see the original at :
// http://www.uchobby.com/index.php/2007/11/14/arduino-sound-part-2-hello-world/

// Define the I/O pin we will use for our sound output
#define SOUNDOUT_PIN 13

int sensorPin = 0; // the number of the input we're using for the potentiometer
int sensorValue = 0; // initializing the sensorValue, the value itself is arbitrary.
int pulseLength = 500; // this is the default pulseLength giving us a 1KHz tone

void setup(void){
pinMode(SOUNDOUT_PIN,OUTPUT);
}

void loop(void){
//Generate sound by toggling the I/O pin High and Low
//Generate a 1KHz tone. set the pin high for 500uS then
//low for 500uS to make the period 1ms or 1KHz.

//Set the pin high and delay for 1/2 a cycle of 1KHz, 500uS.
digitalWrite(SOUNDOUT_PIN,HIGH);
delayMicroseconds(pulseLength);

//Set the pin low and delay for 1/2 a cycle of 1KHz, 500uS.
digitalWrite(SOUNDOUT_PIN,LOW);
delayMicroseconds(pulseLength);

//Read the value of the potentiometer and reset the pulseLength
sensorValue = analogRead(sensorPin);
pulseLength = sensorValue*8; // multiplying input to get a lower tone.
}

That’s it!

This is my first crack at putting together a tutorial, and also my first hack at building with an Arduino, so I’m sure I’ve left stuff out, done stuff wrong, or deserve a general grilling. Please leave a comment and school me!

Some of the notable features that Clive demos are the newest drawing functions, and the ability to save “Prop sets” – packaged objects. Additionally we touch on the new features for Pixton Pro and Pixton for Business.

Technically Speaking
The second half of the conversation concentrates on the technical implementation of the Pixton site. Clive talks a bit about the Flash to database communication via AMFPHP and Flash to Javascript using External.interface.

I’d like to thank Clive for coming in and wish him luck on his move from Vancouver.

Follow these links for more info on Wayne.

Swarm, “the heaviest live percussion section you will ever see”:
http://vimeo.com/7582963

EightPrime
http://eightprime.net

Follow these links for more info on Wayne.

Swarm, “the heaviest live percussion section you will ever see”:
http://vimeo.com/7582963

EightPrime
http://eightprime.net

Design Strategy

• Working in collaboration with clients and team to create appropriate design and technology strategies.
• Providing other designers and developers with high-level feedback and direction
• Effectively implement design solutions on a select number of clients

Project Management

• Creates and executes project work plans and revises as appropriate to meet changing needs and requirements.
• Able to effectively translate clients business needs to creative and technical team members
• Identifies resources needed and assigns individual responsibilities.
• Manages day-to-day operational aspects of a project and scope.
• Reviews deliverables prepared by team before passing to client.
• Effectively applies LiFT’s methodology and enforces quality standards.
• Ensures project documents are complete, current, and stored appropriately.

Project Accounting

• Tracks and reports team and contractor hours and expenses on a weekly basis.
• Manages all aspect of project budget including time, resources and scope.
• Determines appropriate revenue recognition, ensures timely and accurate invoicing, and monitors receivables for project.
• Analyzes project profitability, revenue, margins, bill rates and utilization.

CORE COMPETENCIES

Financial Management

• Understands our pricing model and billing procedures.
• Accurately forecasts revenue, profitability, margins, bill rates and utilization.
• Assures project legal documents are completed and signed.

Business Development

• Identifies business development and “add-on” sales opportunities as they relate to a specific project.
• Identifies new business opportunities and strategies to convert opportunities and leads into sales.
• Leads proposal efforts including completing project scoping and LOE assessments.
• Effectively conveys our message in both written and verbal business development discussions.

Communication

• Facilitates team and client meetings effectively.
• Holds regular status meetings with project team.
• Keeps project team well informed of changes within the organization and general corporate news.
• Effectively communicates relevant project information to superiors.
• Delivers engaging, informative, well-organized presentations.
• Resolves issues in a timely fashion.
• Understands how to communicate difficult/sensitive information tactfully.
• Understanding in Design & Technology

• Has a thorough knowledge of design patterns, user centered design and aesthetic styles
• Maintains awareness of new and emerging creative trends and technologies and the potential application on client engagements.
• Possesses general understanding in the areas of prepress production, application development and databases.
• Has thorough understanding of web development technologies and implementation techniques

PROFESSIONAL QUALITIES

Leadership

• Challenges others to develop as leaders while serving as a role model and mentor.
• Manages the development of team by ensuring, when possible, that project tasks are in line with each Innovator’s career interests.
• Inspires coworkers to attain goals and pursue excellence.
• Identifies opportunities for improvement and makes constructive suggestions for change .
• Manages the process of innovative change effectively.
• Remains on the forefront of emerging industry practices.

Teamwork

• Consistently acknowledges and appreciates each team member’s contributions.
• Effectively utilizes each team member to his/her fullest potential.
• Motivates team to work together in the most efficient manner.
• Keeps track of lessons learned and shares those lessons with team members.
• Mitigates team conflict and communication problems.

Client Management

• Manages day-to-day client interaction.
• Sets and manages client expectations for both design and technical outcomes.
• Develops lasting relationships with client personnel that foster client ties.
• Communicates effectively with clients to identify needs and evaluate alternative business solutions.
• Continually seeks opportunities to increase customer satisfaction and deepen client relationships.
• Builds a knowledge base of each client’s business, organization and objectives.

ORGANIZATIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Innovator Development

• Conducts effective performance evaluations and mentors those with less experience through formal channels.
• Helps team execute career development plans.
• Seeks and participates in development opportunities above and beyond training required by us.
• Trains other innovators and clients through both formal and informal training programs.
• Encourages more junior Innovators to take responsibility for their development within the company.
• Challenges fellow Innovators to progress toward their professional development goals.

Internal Operations

• Suggests areas for improvement in internal processes along with possible solutions.
• Leads internal teams/task forces
• Approves team members’ time and expense reports in a conscientious and timely manner.
• Reviews the status reports of team members and addresses issues as appropriate.
• Complies with and helps to enforce standard policies and procedures.

Please respond with resume and cover letter. Due to the high volume of responses it may take up to 7 business days for us to respond.
All qualified Candidates will be notified by Tuesday Feb. 2. 2010
email cover-letter and resume to: me

We will be working to create a simple visualization that will emulate pixel snow on a tv. Cam will take you through the process of writing a simple bit of code to create this visualization. Please feel free to take this code and modify it to make your own visualizations. We would love to see what you are able to create using this simple bit of code.

You can leave us questions or comments using the comment form below

Or by email L S B at LiFT Studios dot ca

Or on twitter

You can download processing here

You can download the tutorial files here

The processing language reference can also be found here

We will be working to create a simple visualization that will emulate pixel snow on a tv. Cam will take you through the process of writing a simple bit of code to create this visualization. Please feel free to take this code and modify it to make your own visualizations. We would love to see what you are able to create using this simple bit of code.

You can leave us questions or comments using the comment form below

Or by email L S B at LiFT Studios dot ca

Or on twitter

You can download processing here

You can download the tutorial files here

The processing language reference can also be found here

Twitter
twitter.com/liftthis

Email
lsb@liftstudios.ca

Phone
604.568.5438

Or by using the comment form below

Thanks again from the entire LiFT team for helping make LSB such a success.

Twitter
twitter.com/liftthis

Email
lsb@liftstudios.ca

Phone
604.568.5438

Or by using the comment form below

Thanks again from the entire LiFT team for helping make LSB such a success.

We’re looking forward to seeing what 2010 brings in store for LiFT studios. To say that 2009 was a busy year for us would be a serious understatement. The LiFT team was diligently working on a variety of interesting projects that we’d like to share with you. Here’s a quick summary:

LiFT Studios Broadcasts

In May 2009 we launched a weekly video podcast called LiFT Studios Broadcasts (LSB). The videos give us a way to reach out into the Digital Design industry to talk to people we believe bring good energy to the type of work that we do. The feedback for LSB has been tremendous and the audience seems to consistently growing. Check it out and let us know if you have a suggestion for someone we could interview.

Association of Book Publisher’s of British Columbia (ABPBC)

This year we designed and developed a new ABPBC website and had a great time working with Margaret and Gerilee.

Vancouver Aquarium

In August the LiFT team was asked to design and build a Touchscreen kiosk for the Aquarium. The exhibit lets visitors explore and compare the sounds of Beluga Whales to the sounds of other natural and man-made environmental sounds.

D+M’s Publishers

LiFT studios had the pleasure of designing a new website for one of Canada’s most prestigious publishers, D+M. We were also given the opportunity to develop a new podcast. The Speakeasy podcast is a monthly show with interviews with D+M authors. We took this production very seriously and even wrote and recorded original music for Speakeasy

Bookriff

If you haven’t heard of Bookriff, then you need to go see it now! Bookriff is a new web service that allows visitors a chance to compile their own books out of a range of licensed publisher’s texts, then you’ll actually get a custom ‘one-off’ book sent to you. LiFT has spent a good part of 2009 working on the user interface for Bookriff and we look forward to seeing it in action.

Emily Carr University of Art + Design’s new website

LiFT worked in collaboration with Emily Carr University’s web committee and students to design and develop the new ECU website. Users are provided with a profile page where they will be able to post a bio, showcase their work, and pull in content from Facebook and Twitter.

Coming soon in 2010

Here are some projects that we’re looking forward to launching in 2010:

• UBC’s Sustainability website
• Canada’s Aboriginal Sports Hall of Fame website
• Namaste Publishing
• New Society Publishers

Processing Christmas

Were you wondering about the graphics we’ve used for this year’s christmas mailout? It’s a quick collaboration between the LiFT team, the graphics were created with a relatively new interactive programming environment called Processing. To really see the graphic in action visit the Happy Holidays web page.

Special Thanks

We’d like to send a special thanks to both Andrea Mignolo and Travis Nicholson for their amazing hard work interning at LiFT studios in 2009. We’re going to miss you both so much.

To see more of Vincent’s art and hear more of his music visit:
http://www.vincentparker.ca/

We begin our conversation with a brief background on Monique’s journey through education, internship, working for Raincoast Books and then finally to establishing Boxcar Marketing.

After mentioning some of the common challenges that most publishers seem to be facing these days the conversation turns toward the topic of Citizen Journalism. Both Monique and I seem to agree that there is still a huge difference between traditional journalism and the new blogging movement, both are important and both can learn from each other. Unfortunately both sides seem to be taking a defensive stance and tend to throw stones more than listening.

Monique mentions two journalists that understand the online space: David Beers of The Tyee and Kirk LaPointe of the Vancouver Sun
and then goes on to talk about an interesting iPhone app called ScanLife that lets newspaper readers take a photo of a barcode and get access to auxiliary information to an article.

Our talk moves onto the subject of books, how will we use them in the future, will the printed book live on and what are the possibilities to come.

Bonus topics:
Author Blogs: Monique gives authors tips on writing blogs Download MP4 here
Bookriff: a few thoughts about the Bookriff projectDownload MP4 here

I really enjoyed my talk with Monique and would like to thank her for taking the time to come chat. We look forward to working with you again on future projects.

We begin our conversation with a brief background on Monique’s journey through education, internship, working for Raincoast Books and then finally to establishing Boxcar Marketing.

After mentioning some of the common challenges that most publishers seem to be facing these days the conversation turns toward the topic of Citizen Journalism. Both Monique and I seem to agree that there is still a huge difference between traditional journalism and the new blogging movement, both are important and both can learn from each other. Unfortunately both sides seem to be taking a defensive stance and tend to throw stones more than listening.

Monique mentions two journalists that understand the online space: David Beers of The Tyee and Kirk LaPointe of the Vancouver Sun
and then goes on to talk about an interesting iPhone app called ScanLife that lets newspaper readers take a photo of a barcode and get access to auxiliary information to an article.

Our talk moves onto the subject of books, how will we use them in the future, will the printed book live on and what are the possibilities to come.

Bonus topics:
Author Blogs: Monique gives authors tips on writing blogs
Bookriff: a few thoughts about the Bookriff project

I really enjoyed my talk with Monique and would like to thank her for taking the time to come chat. We look forward to working with you again on future projects.

You can find all sorts of interesting details about Kerry and the fabulous work he does, on his website reasonid.com

You can find this post at Kerry’s blog www.kmore.net

Kerry was kind enough to share his thoughts with us on this edition of LSB.

We are very much interested in hearing your side of the story! Tell us what you think of this podcast and Kerry’s thoughts on social media using the comment form below.

You can find this post at Kerry’s blog www.kmore.net

Kerry was kind enough to share his thoughts with us on this edition of LSB.

We are very much interested in hearing your side of the story! Tell us what you think of this podcast and Kerry’s thoughts on social media using the comment form below.

During our talk Alex delves deep into the subject of IxD, covering everything from the convergence of products and services to the post-Orwellian commoditization of public space and private experience. If that’s not enough to fill your plate, Alex goes on to suggest how IxD could bring about a future "Garden of Heavenly Delights" where human creativity is harnessed through games.

Like it? Hate it? Want to chime in?
Continue the conversation by leaving a comment below.

During our talk Alex delves deep into the subject of IX, covering everything from the convergence of products and services to the post-Orwellian commoditization of public space and private experience. If that’s not enough to fill your plate, Alex goes on to suggest how IX could bring about a future "Garden of Heavenly Delights" where human creativity is harnessed through games.

Like it? Hate it? Want to chime in?
Continue the conversation by leaving a comment below.