Build a Physical Computing Prototype

Learn how physical computing is transforming tech, then build your own prototype

Physical computing involves building systems that can sense and respond to the world around them. From smart watches and virtual assistants to traffic lights and central heating, interactive systems like these are part of the fabric of our society.

On this four-week course from Lancaster University, you’ll explore how interactive devices have transformed the way we work, live, and relate to objects and one another. As you take a look inside hardware and software we now take for granted, you’ll learn how physical computer systems are revolutionising the tech industry.

Learn how to use code to collect and analyse data

Once you’ve covered the basics of physical computing, you’ll learn how to programme your own interactive system.

You’ll learn how to use coding to collect, analyse, and display real-world data in a computer system.

Complete your own physical computing challenges

In the second half of the course, you’ll begin putting knowledge into practice. You’ll complete a variety of warm-up challenges, including collecting and displaying sensor data and coding a radio, in preparation for the final challenge.

By the end of the course, you’ll have demonstrated your new expertise by building your first physical computing prototype.

This course is designed for anyone interested in learning more about the fast-growing field of physical computing. It will be particularly useful for computing students or aspiring creative technologists.

You might also be interested in the other courses from UAL Creative Computing Institute, Lancaster University, and the Institute of Coding in the Essential Creative Technologies collection.

• What is Physical Computing
• Welcome to the course
• Breaking down Physical Computing
• Your first microcontroller program
• End of Week 1
• What is data and how we use code to collect and analyse it
• Welcome to week 2
• Programming Physical Computing
• Collecting, analysing and displaying data
• Upcoming challenges
• Complete your own physical computing challenges
• Welcome to week 3
• Beginner Challenges
• Intermediate Challenges
• What next
• The real world & final challenge
• Welcome to week 4
• Advanced challenge
• Real world implications