From air traffic control systems to biometric smartwatches, and interfaces for virtual and XR environments, applications of physical computing are increasingly ubiquitous, even imperceptible. 

Interactive Technologies and Physical Computing is an emerging creative framework for understanding how humans interact with digital technology. The approach explores not only how people relate and respond to physical computing, but also how people design, develop, and implement digital systems that interact with the analog world. 

The Academy’s Interactive Technologies area takes an interdisciplinary approach that connects computational thinking to the development of physical computing through collaboration, entrepreneurial thinking, human-centric design and creative problem solving. The area includes courses on the front end and back end of device development, introduction to physical computing, and body computing. Students will learn how to use C++ to program Arduino-controlled devices, followed by a course in computing/algorithms in which they develop a deeper understanding of computer algorithms and data structures. 

Learn how to use C++ to program Arduino and Raspberry Pi controlled devices

Develop an understanding of computer algorithms and data structures for use in physical computing devices

Learn how to design and make wearable daily life devices (for medical, work and wellness applications) that address desirability, feasibility and viability components in an integrative manner

Learn how to select the best material for the product that is being designed – including sustainability

Learn how to design and develop a range of physical computing consumer products to solve problems and address market opportunities

Learn how to build websites and address wireless communication issues for physical computing

From algorithms and data structures to physical product creation, students will graduate with applied understanding of a range of physical computing processes. This comprehensive proficiency prepares graduates for roles in rapidly evolving industries utilizing sought-after electrical engineering, computer science, robotics, and software developing expertise in tandem with human centric design This include technology, design, bioscience, security, fashion and sports firms as well as physical computing based start ups.

Interactive Technologies and Physical Computing Courses

ACAD-230 Introduction to Interactive Physical Computing

ACAD-277 Dev3: Designing Applications for Emerging Platforms

ACAD-431 Devices and Systems for Body Computing

ACAD-4xx Immersive and Spatial Computing*

Special topics in mobile and physical computing

IDSN-531 Front and Back End Web Programming*

IDSN-536 Designing Networked Objects: From IOT to Smart Environments

Patrick Dent

Michael Crowley

Aaron Siegel

Aaron Siegel, Assistant Professor of Teaching

The Academy’s Interactive Technologies intersectional area connects computational thinking to the development of physical computing through collaboration, entrepreneurial thinking, human-centric design and creative problem solving.

Business of Innovation

Extended Reality

Transformative AI

Health Innovation

The Academy’s Physical Computing and Interactive Technologies intersectional area connects computational thinking to the development of physical computing through collaboration, entrepreneurial thinking, human-centric design and creative problem solving.

Interactive Technologies

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