How did these constraints (Illustrator, Using Four LEDs) help or hurt your creative process?

My familiarity with illustrator and photoshop helped me a lot in this project. I would say I have most trouble with past circuit projects and LEDs, but it was a lot easier this time. I felt more comfortable working with my circuit, especially with wires instead of copper tape, because it was a an easier connection to make. As for my creative process, I felt like there was more constraint than usual, although I got my idea across because I used paint at the end. I wanted to depict the idea of joining dreams, identity, and astrology.

How did your process reflect (or not) design thinking?

I think that this was a design thinking project, because it pushed the boundaries of what we knew, and made us rethink our ideas. I think there could’ve been better prototyping ideas, because we did not have that much opportunity to experiment and make mistakes.

What did you learn? Describe your learning process.
What was most challenging? What was most fun?

I learned a lot about laser cutting which I had not known about. I enjoyed watching the wood be cut, and it opened my mind to knew ideas and things I could make through the laser cut process. I think the most fun part was being able to paint it and make it my own, while the most challenging was the technical building piece of it.

How did this activity connect (or not) to your prior knowledge of art and art education?

This was completely new to me since I have never had laser cut before, but it definitely built off the other circuit projects. I have never really done this much technical work in a classroom. I think some of the technical steps to create this project took away from the creative process in general. It is good to learn that there are many different ways that art can be made two dimensionally.

How might you use and/or adapt this activity in an art classroom?

I think this activity would be great for a classroom. As a quicker project, we could make clay lamps with a fake light in it. It might be difficult and need some assembly before hand.

Code:

int blinkPin1 = 0;
int blinkPin2 = 1;
int blinkPin3 = 2;
int blinkPin0 = 3;

void setup()
{
pinMode(blinkPin1, OUTPUT);
pinMode(blinkPin2, OUTPUT);
pinMode(blinkPin3, OUTPUT);
pinMode(blinkPin0, OUTPUT);
}

void loop()
{
digitalWrite(blinkPin1, HIGH);
delay(10);
digitalWrite(blinkPin1, LOW);
delay(30);

digitalWrite(blinkPin2, HIGH);
delay(20);
digitalWrite(blinkPin2, LOW);
delay(40);

digitalWrite(blinkPin3, HIGH);
delay(35);
digitalWrite(blinkPin3, LOW);
delay(20);

digitalWrite(blinkPin0, HIGH);
delay(10);
digitalWrite(blinkPin0, LOW);
delay(10);
}