Category Archives: IMA Electives (Legacy Structure – Physical Computing & Experimental Interfaces)

Courses that count in IMA’s Physical Computing and Experimental Interfaces category

Spring 2020 Spring 2023 Spring 2024 Summer 2021

Homemade Hardware (ITPG-GT 2767)

Hardware is not hard, and rapidly prototyping circuit boards is easier than ever with new tools available at ITP. Students will learn how to grow from a breadboard to a custom surface mount board, all without leaving the floor. This class is about artists and designers taking control of their hardware, and exploring the potential of embedding their projects into the world around them. Students will learn the multitude of tools and processes required to make a DIY circuit board. These include Eagle CAD, micro-milling machines, drawing schematics, ordering parts, surface-mount components, acid etching, solder paste and stenciling, reflow, pick-and-place, and others. In-class demonstrations will be done for each of the above, and students will complete assignments using online reference notes and videos. Two smaller projects and one final project will be assigned (3 total), each a circuit of the student’s’ choosing. These three assignments will be designed to work off the most recently taught subjects, and to get the students to fail early. It’s a lot of new material to be learning across multiple domains, so the students will need the entire semester to iterate.

Interactive Telecommunications (Graduate)
4 credits – 14 Weeks

Sections (Spring 2024)

ITPG-GT 2767-000 (14754)01/26/2024 – 05/03/2024 Fri9:00 AM – 12:00 AM (Morning)at Brooklyn CampusInstructed by Sigler, Andrew

Graduate IMA Electives IMA Electives (Legacy Structure - Physical Computing & Experimental Interfaces)

Connected Devices and Networked Interaction (ITPG-GT 2565)

Credits: 4
Duration: 15 Weeks
Dates: Tue

The World Wide Web no longer stops at the edge of your screen. When it comes to products, if it powers up, it talks to another device. This class provides an overview of methods for connecting the physical world to web-based applications. We’ll consider what the emerging interaction patterns are, if any, and we’ll develop some of our own as needed. This class can be seen as a narrower and more interaction design-based complement to Understanding Networks. The latter class provides a broader overview of the dynamics of communications networks, while this class focuses specifically on the challenges of connecting embedded devices to web-based services. Neither class is a prerequisite for the other, however. This class will introduce network connection techniques for devices using microcontrollers like the Nano 33 IoT and MKR series or ESP8266 and processors running an embedded operating system like the Raspberry Pi. Prerequisites: Intro to Physical Computing and Intro to Computational Media, or equivalent experience with the topics covered in those classes. Learning Objectives: Students will gain an understanding of the basics of network programming for devices with limited computing power. They will learn about current protocols for communication between devices and networked servers, and about the rudiments of security for that communication. Reading: There will be an article or two to read each week, to foster discussion about the design of connected things. Assignments: There will be several one-week software and hardware assignments to get familiar with different technologies and communications protocols, and one hardware and software final application project.

Interactive Telecommunications (Graduate)
4 credits – 15 Weeks

Graduate IMA Electives IMA Electives (Legacy Structure - Physical Computing & Experimental Interfaces) IMA Electives (Legacy Structure - Programming & Data) Spring 2026
Spring 2020

Rest of You (ITPG-GT 2975)

You live with illusions. The nature of these illusions has long been described in mystical practices but is now increasing corroborated by modern research such as neuroscience, behavioral economics, social psychology, embodied cognition, and evolutionary psychology. What does this have to do with computational media? With technology, we have the ability to revisit some of these vestigial illusions that made sense in ancient environments but that might limit our personal happiness or the overall functioning of modern society. Will the computer’s ability to run more objective statistical analysis on data gathered tirelessly over time, across individuals and locations allow us to more accurately see ourselves and the world as it is. Can we build computer interfaces that give a fuller expression of our experience when we are not limited by an illusory view of ourselves? The insights into how into how to reach people more fully comes with a responsibility to then ask what should say to them. As the computers are able to understand us better than we understand ourselves will we relinquish control to them? At a practical level, the class looks at interfaces for digitizing signals from the less consciously controlled parts of your body using things like biosensors and cameras. It then moves on to opportunities for finding insights in from patterns in the mounds of already digitized expression you have produced every day for years, for instance in your email. Then we look at the possibility of bypassing consciousness with techniques like subliminal priming to affect behavior. Finally, we will look at how we can use things like browser extensions to manipulate shared media in an attempt to counter some filter bubble effects that emerge at a group level based on the illusions discussed in this class. This class will use skills from Physical Computing and ICM.

Interactive Telecommunications (Graduate)
2 credits – 8 Weeks

Sections (Spring 2020)

ITPG-GT 2975-000 (22862)01/27/2020 – 03/23/2020 Mon3:00 PM – 5:00 PM (Late afternoon)at Brooklyn CampusInstructed by O’Sullivan, Daniel

Graduate IMA Electives IMA Electives (Legacy Structure - Physical Computing & Experimental Interfaces)

Digital Fabrication: Exploring the Fab Lab (ART-UE 1346)

This course will introduce student to digital fabrication techniques within the context of contemporary art. Students will complete a series of projects exploring fabrication technologies such as 3D printing, 3D Scanning, CNC milling and Laser cutting. In addition, student will question the machines’ raw output by fusing these processes with traditional sculptures techniques. Student will produce a series of works following project prompts. Although the course will process-heavy, student will maintain a rigorous conceptual grounding in their completed works.

Studio Art (Undergraduate)
3 credits – 14 Weeks

Sections (Fall 2025)

ART-UE 1346-000 (17935)09/02/2025 – 12/11/2025 Fri1:00 PM – 4:00 PM (Early afternoon)at Washington SquareInstructed by Torimitsu, Momoyo

Fall 2025 IMA Electives IMA Electives (Legacy Structure - Physical Computing & Experimental Interfaces) Undergraduate
Spring 2020 Spring 2022

Designing Interfaces for Live Performance (IMNY-UT 243)

This course is designed to provide students with hands-on experience working with sensors and other electronics to design interfaces for a live multimedia performance. Students will explore the expressive properties of sensors to control a variety of outputs such as light, sound, projection, and/or other media. The forms and uses of physical computing, computational media, and its application are explored weekly in both a hands on laboratory context, as well as weekly discussions of readings and existing performances. Prerequisites: Creative Computing or similar coursework with microcontrollers and coding.

Undergraduate

Class #
Section #
Meets

Class #: 11333
Section #: 001
Meets: MW 9-10:30a

IMA Electives IMA Electives (Legacy Structure - Physical Computing & Experimental Interfaces) Spring 2025 Undergraduate
Spring 2020 Spring 2022

Introduction to Fabrication (IMNY-UT 242)

An introductory course designed to familiarize students with all the IMA prototyping shop has to offer. We will cover everything from basic hand tools to the beginnings of digital fabrication. You will learn to use the right tool for the job. There will be weekly assignments, created to develop your fabrication techniques. There will be in class lectures, demos, and building assignments. Emphasis will be put on good design practices, material choice, and craftsmanship.

Undergraduate

Class #
Section #
Meets

Class #: 11332
Section #: 001
Meets: T 9a-12p

IMA Electives IMA Electives (Legacy Structure - Physical Computing & Experimental Interfaces) Spring 2025 Undergraduate
Spring 2020 Spring 2022

Introduction to Assistive Technology (IMNY-UT 241)

Assistive technology is a term that includes a wide variety of technologies for people with disabilities. This two-point survey course is designed to provide students with an overview of the field of assistive technology. Field trips, readings, and guest speakers will provide students with an understanding of current research and development as well as processes used in determining appropriate technologies. Weekly assignments and a final research project.

Undergraduate

Class #
Section #
Meets

Class #: 11331
Section #: 001
Meets: M 5:20-8:20p

IMA Electives IMA Electives (Legacy Structure - Physical Computing & Experimental Interfaces) Spring 2025 Undergraduate

Machine Lab (IM-UH 2113)

Credits: 4
Duration: 15 Weeks
Dates:

The saying goes, “If all you have is a hammer, then every problem looks like a nail.” What if all you have is a 3D Printer? In this course, students will be introduced to, and engage critically with, a range of contemporary machines inside and around the Interactive Media Lab. Leveraging historical perspectives, current use-cases, and hands-on making, the course will explore how machines enhance, or limit, our creative processes. Readings and discussion will be paired with practical designing, prototyping, and making of creative computer controlled devices, such as drawing machines, musical instruments, and a collaborative Rube Goldberg contraption. Over the course of the semester, students will be exposed to a variety of tools, materials, and fabrication techniques as well as learn how to use micro-controllers and software to give their machines unique behaviors and abilities. By thinking about machines, using machines, and making machines, the course will offer insight into our creative relationships with our tools.

Interactive Media (Undergraduate)
4 credits – 15 Weeks

IMA Electives IMA Electives (Legacy Structure - Physical Computing & Experimental Interfaces) Spring 2026 Undergraduate
Spring 2020

Extended Perception (INTM-SHU 138T)

Utilizing technological and scientific research / case studies / artifacts, this class introduces students to the topic of enhanced / extended perception and how technological augmentation allow us to sense and perceive alternative layers of our surrounding world, reconfiguring our understanding of what reality really is. Students will be asked to develop their own prototypes that demonstrate a conceptual or functional outcome on how perception can be extended, enhanced, or even hacked.

Interactive Media Arts (Undergraduate)
4 credits – 15 Weeks

Sections (Spring 2020)

INTM-SHU 138T-000 (23245)02/03/2020 – 05/15/2020 Mon9:00 AM – 12:00 AM (Morning)at ShanghaiInstructed by Didakis, Stavros

IMA Electives IMA Electives (Legacy Structure - Physical Computing & Experimental Interfaces) Undergraduate
Spring 2020 Spring 2021

Movement Practices and Computing (INTM-SHU 134)

People use their bodies in the workplace whether they are dancers or athletes, managers or engineers. Physical wellbeing, social teamwork, and cognition may be affected by our movement practices. How do people use physicality and motion to think? What is the interaction between body, motion, place, and goals? We will explore these questions by building physical-computing-based systems that encourage us to bring movement into new times and places in daily life, that coach users and develop learning environments for movement practices, and that test our understanding of ways that we “think with the body”. In this course we will bring practices such as fitness, dance, sports, and martial arts into a series of interactive installations, movement learning projects, and workspace modifications built on computing, sensing and actuator technologies. In this course we will also explore these questions through review of existing creative projects in this area, readings, presentations, and knowledge-sharing sessions. Prerequisites: Creative Coding Lab, Interaction Lab or equivalent programming experience Fulfillment: IMA/IMB elective.

Interactive Media Arts (Undergraduate)
4 credits – 16 Weeks

Sections (Spring 2021)

INTM-SHU 134-000 (18340)01/25/2021 – 05/14/2021 Tue,Thu11:00 AM – 12:00 AM (Morning)at ShanghaiInstructed by Minsky, Margaret

IMA Electives IMA Electives (Legacy Structure - Physical Computing & Experimental Interfaces) Undergraduate
Spring 2021

Working with Electrons (INTM-SHU 130)

This class focuses on the curiosity behind the greatest discovery of electromagnetism. By replicating experiments both with magnetic and electrical fields, we will explore the major breakthroughs that enabled us to power up devices, connect people, and store information. During the course we will have seminar discussions analyzing texts that contextualize the lab experiments and we will work toward conclusions on the implications of these discoveries. We will analyze different perspectives that led to the development of theories about the electromagnetic field, radio waves transmissions, and the quantum properties of electrons. Students will propose their own creative experiments, linking their personal interests with how electrons behave. As part of their final project report, they will submit an essay describing the technical methodology, critical framework, and the results of their experiment. Throughout the course they will acquire a working knowledge of components like capacitors, lasers, antennae, and circuit prototyping tools. Prerequisites: None Fulfillment: CORE ED; IMA/IMB elective.

Interactive Media Arts (Undergraduate)
4 credits – 16 Weeks

Sections (Spring 2021)

INTM-SHU 130-000 (18327)01/25/2021 – 05/14/2021 Wed4:00 PM – 7:00 PM (Late afternoon)at ShanghaiInstructed by Cossovich, Rodolfo

IMA Electives IMA Electives (Legacy Structure - Physical Computing & Experimental Interfaces) Undergraduate
Spring 2020 Spring 2021

Toy Design and Prototyping (INTM-SHU 238)

Toys are not only for kids. Toys are part of our culture and an important medium to develop essential skills like creativity, problem-solving, and socialization. They can also be a great contribution in education, medicine, and business, and can improve the quality of life for children and adults alike. The emphasis in this class is on designing for play and entertainment. Students will be introduced to the underlying essential concepts in designing toys and they will create their own utilizing hand-making craft skills and new technologies. This course will equip the students with a basic knowledge about various design topics including: brainstorming, sketching, graphic design, concept development, basic mechanisms, 3D modeling, rendering, and rapid prototyping. This is a hands-on class and students are required to bring their imagination in addition to a willingness to experiment and explore creative solutions for class assignments. Prerequisites: Interaction lab / Communication lab Fulfillment: IMA/IMB elective.

Interactive Media Arts (Undergraduate)
4 credits – 16 Weeks

IMA Electives IMA Electives (Legacy Structure - Physical Computing & Experimental Interfaces) Undergraduate
Fall 2019 Fall 2020 Spring 2022

Performative Avatars (IMNY-UT 284)

Whether it’s through photo realistic scans found in current-gen video games or the cartoonish and low-fi aesthetic of Bitmoji there is no limit to ways in which the body and the self are represented in digital spaces. This 2-credit class will look at how avatars have been historically used in the realm of art, commerce, and entertainment and utilize existing avatar creation tools to develop projects that examine identity, body politics, and contemporary performance. In class, we will cover the basics of Unreal Engine, photogrammetry, 3D scanning, and model rigging although students will be encouraged to use existing skill sets and creative thinking to complete some of the smaller week-by-week assignments. The class will culminate with a short performance, small installation or single/multi-channel video piece using one or more of the techniques covered in class. This can be a solo project or a group project. In this class students will: – Explore how avatars can be utilized in your creative practice – Gain an introductory understanding of Unreal Engine, photogrammetry, model rigging, and 3D scanning. – Learn how to recontextualize digital spaces for the purposes of art, installation, and performance. – Broaden your thinking of what performance can be, both in a physical setting and digital setting. – Think critically about how physical bodies inhabit digital spaces and how the hardware and software we use reinforces the acceptance and value of certain kinds of bodies.

Interactive Media Arts (Undergraduate)
2 credits – 7 Weeks

Sections (Spring 2022)

IMNY-UT 284-000 (22291)03/22/2022 – 05/09/2022 Mon11:00 AM – 1:00 PM (Morning)at Brooklyn CampusInstructed by Romein, Matt

Graduate IMA Electives IMA Electives (Legacy Structure - Media & Entertainment) IMA Electives (Legacy Structure - Physical Computing & Experimental Interfaces) Undergraduate
Fall 2019 Fall 2020

Introduction to 3D Printing (IMNY-UT 244)

3D environments and objects are powerful prototyping tools. This class will introduce the basics of 3D modeling techniques in Rhino and students will learn to create assets for prototyping and 3D printing. The class will take an industrial design approach to design and build with specifications and materials in mind. Students will learn to think, plan, design, and produce well thought out objects to fit their specific needs. (examples: motor mounts, enclosures, wearables etc.)

Interactive Media Arts (Undergraduate)
2 credits – 7 Weeks

Sections (Fall 2020)

IMNY-UT 244-000 (16086)09/02/2020 – 10/21/2020 Thu3:00 PM – 6:00 PM (Late afternoon)at Brooklyn CampusInstructed by

IMA Electives IMA Electives (Legacy Structure - Physical Computing & Experimental Interfaces) Undergraduate
Fall 2019 Fall 2020

Remade in China (INTM-SHU 271)

Re-make: make (something) again or differently. In this class students will investigate why China became the world’s largest importer of waste. They will study local communities in China, how they manage their waste, and explore innovative ways to transform discarded materials or products around us into something new and precious in areas such as art, graphic and industrial design, architecture, fashion, textiles, etc,. Through research and development, students will learn how traditional techniques and new technologies among the sustainable design philosophy can be utilized as powerful tools for addressing social and environmental problems.

Interactive Media Arts (Undergraduate)
4 credits – 13 Weeks

Sections (Fall 2020)

INTM-SHU 271-000 (18538)09/14/2020 – 12/15/2020 Wed1:00 PM – 4:00 PM (Early afternoon)at ShanghaiInstructed by Godoy, Marcela

IMA Electives IMA Electives (Legacy Structure - Physical Computing & Experimental Interfaces) Undergraduate
Fall 2019 Fall 2020 Spring 2022

Machine Learning for New Interfaces (INTM-SHU 215)

Machine Learning for New Interfaces is an introductory course with the goal of teaching machine learning concepts in an approachable way to students with no prior knowledge. We will explore diverse and experimental methods in Machine Learning such as classification, recognition, movement prediction and image style translation. By the end of the course, students will be able to create their own interfaces or applications for the web. They will be able to apply fundamental concepts of Machine Learning, recognize Machine Learning models in the world and make Machine Learning projects applicable to everyday life. Prerequisite: Creative Coding Lab or equivalent programming experience Fulfillment: IMA/IMB elective.

Interactive Media Arts (Undergraduate)
4 credits – 16 Weeks

Sections (Spring 2022)

INTM-SHU 215-000 (19661)01/24/2022 – 05/13/2022 Tue4:00 PM – 7:00 PM (Late afternoon)at ShanghaiInstructed by Moon, Jung Hyun

IMA Electives IMA Electives (Legacy Structure - Physical Computing & Experimental Interfaces) IMA Electives (Legacy Structure - Programming & Data) Undergraduate
Fall 2019 Fall 2021 Spring 2022

Creating Assistive Technology (INTM-SHU 253)

This interdisciplinary project-based class focuses on the design, development, and use of technology that increases the quality of life of individuals of disabilities. Students will be introduced to various assistive technology and strategies, including no-tech and low-tech as well as software and online-based practices. This class features lectures, discussions, guest lectures, field trips, and project presentations by students. Software programming, physical computing, machine learning, and 3D fabrication will be introduced for developing an assistive device. Field trips of local facilities will be scheduled during the semester. They provide an off-campus real-world learning experience as well as an opportunity for students to interact with users of assistive technology in the local community. Students will participate in a team-based design project that identifies challenges for an individual of disabilities and create an innovative and useful assistive device to meet their needs. Prerequisite: Interaction Lab

Interactive Media Arts (Undergraduate)
4 credits – 15 Weeks

IMA Electives IMA Electives (Legacy Structure - Physical Computing & Experimental Interfaces) IMA Electives (Legacy Structure - Seminar/Studies) Undergraduate
Fall 2019 Fall 2020 Fall 2022

Introduction to Robotics (INTM-SHU 222)

Since the beginning of civilization people have fantasized about intelligent machines sensing and acting autonomously. In this course we will discover what robots are, learn how to design them, and use simple tools to build them. Students will use open source hardware to explore sensors and electronics, as well as design and build robot bodies and actuators through a variety of digital fabrication technologies. Using a set of community developed tools, students will become familiar with concepts such as mechatronics, inverse kinematics, domotics and machine learning. No previous programming or electronics experience is necessary, however students will be guided through a series of design challenges that their robots should be able to accomplish. With an emphasis on experimentation, peer learning, and teamwork, the objective of this course is to share in the excitement of robotics by enabling students to make their own creations. By the end of the course, students will present a short research paper and documentation about their robotic explorations. Co-requisite or Prerequisite: Interaction Lab or Creative Coding Lab. Fulfillment: CORE ED; IMA Majors Electives; IMB Major Interactive Media Elective.

Interactive Media Arts (Undergraduate)
4 credits – 15 Weeks

Sections (Fall 2022)

INTM-SHU 222-000 (17301)09/05/2022 – 12/16/2022 Wed9:00 AM – 12:00 AM (Morning)at ShanghaiInstructed by Cossovich, Rodolfo

IMA Electives IMA Electives (Legacy Structure - Physical Computing & Experimental Interfaces) Undergraduate
Summer 2019 Summer 2020

Making Data Tangible (ITPG-GT 2028)

Data is ubiquitous. Yet, it’s often invisible. In this course, we will explore ways to create physical data visualizations using contemporary design and digital fabrication tools. Students will learn how to collect data, find interesting patterns, design creative digital models and build tangible pieces using laser cutters, 3D printers and woodworking tools. We will visualize everything from street performers in Washington Square to Instagram influencer trends. Topics related to creative coding, Arduino, artificial intelligence, projection mapping and traditional art-making techniques will also be discussed.

Interactive Telecommunications (Graduate)
4 credits – 5 Weeks

Sections (Summer 2020)

ITPG-GT 2028-000 (4268)05/27/2020 – 07/01/2020 Mon,Wed9:00 AM – 12:00 AM (Morning)at Brooklyn CampusInstructed by Kuiphoff, John

Graduate IMA Electives IMA Electives (Legacy Structure - Physical Computing & Experimental Interfaces)