About

See also: project propsal

Short version

Time limit: 30-60 seconds
Word limit: 75 words

Keywords
entry points
lowered learning thresholds
t(h)inkering (thinking with your hands/thinking through tinkering)
learning in the form of play (hence the interactive fiction/game component)

Long version

Chip F(r)ic is a project-thesis in the form of an interactive f(r)iction:

As a reader you will be invited to explore the publication in whichever format that speaks to you. The available formats are:

• DIY kit
• game console

The tension between a DIY beginner kit and an in-depth, ultra specialiazed "you-don't-need-to-know-this-much" version.

characteristics

• bite-sized / bit by bit (but concentrated)
• not streamlined––there is friction
  

The intentions of this project are to:

• lower the learning threshold of learning DIY electronics
  
• show the process - what happens after the entry point
  
• explore the possibility of another type of beginner DIY electronics kit: in the form of an interactive fiction that focuses on 1 particular chip as the main character
  

The urgency to make this project came out of the following frustrations:

• there are already many existing entry points but it can be overwhelming where to actually start
• digital designer working in the commercial field and the gradual dilution of creativity (and concentration of standardization, optimization
  
• the plethora of entry points but up to the point where it can be overwhelming
• DIY electronics beginner kits not as a one-size-fits-all solution to break into the electronics field
  
• not all beginner kits are for all beginners––within this group of individuals there are also different types of beginners with different ways of learning and interests

This project could be of interest to you if:

• you need an escape from the Creative Cloud
• you want to think with your hands for a change
• you tried Arduino out but it doesn't excite you that much
• you are stuck between a beginner kit and a datasheet
• you want to understand how to navigate a datasheet, schematic, CMOS cookbook
• you are a visual and/or a kinesthetic learner