The first part of the project was producing two prototypes. One where I focused on understanding the copper tape, LEDs, switches and soldering, the next where I delved thinking about aesthetics and the ways to use the copper tape and LEDs to make something beautiful. Both of these constructions started with asking questions, imagining how these problems can be solved, building the prototype, testing it, and sharing out with the whole class.

The final project began with asking who do I care about in my life that I want to make a meaningful card for? Then how best would I encapsulate this person in such a simplistic and simplified way [ask]? I decided to go with a friend I had, Tom, who passed away the summer before last. I began imagining all the things I associate with him (soccer, smiling, over sized button-up shirts, etc). Then I started thinking about Ithaca and how much he encapsulated a lot of the things I loved about growing up there. I decided to focus on a theme of eternal youth and nature by combining a fountain and a waterfall, Tom worked at a gorge in town and gave tours [imagine]. I drew a lot of sketches and attempted to mimic them in my physical development of the card. I played around with hiding vs showing the copper, which LED color to use, where they should go, and how to make it all successfully function [build]. Once the card was assembled I tested it out and found that though the lights sometimes fully shone, they flickered frequently [evaluate]. I questioned why this was happening [ask]. I thought about how best to solve the problem [imagine]. I decided to secure the battery more firmly in its pouch [build]. Then, I tested it out again only to see the same issue was occurring [evaluate]. Then I sat down and thought about how the flashing lights affected the card and decided that it actually resonated really strongly with my thoughts on the fragility of life and the ways in which things can’t always be expected or consistent or function the way you want them to. I now find myself very moved by the symbolism of the flickering light/flame that can burn out without warning. I’m nervous to share my card with the class, but excited to see what everyone created [share].