An open source badge project for noobs, artists, and the interdimensionally-curious
We are artists following in the footsteps of the DEFCON Badgelife scene. Badgelifers create custom electronic devices to replace the ho-hum badges that display your name and affiliation at conferences. These badges feature playable video games, animated LED displays, wifi connectivity, and more! But what would happen if we released a simple badge template that non-engineers could program and expand upon themselves? Let's find out.
After much experimentation, we've settled on this board. It includes the following features in one tidy package:
After flirting with building a project from scratch, we've brought the process back down to earth. Right now the plan is to focus on a cool little breakout for an existing ESP PCB (see BOM) that will allow for the addition of sensors etc. in the form of pluggable modules. The form-factor could even take the shape of a robot or action figure! Once we release the platform specs, other developers could develop their own modules to extend the project's ecosystem. Ideas include:
Nick Bontrager, Texas Christian University
Taylor Hokanson, Columbia College Chicago
...and you? Please get in touch!
Supported in part by a generous Faculty Development Grant from Columbia College Chicago