Luminism Shadow Box
Art and Design
Designing the front of my Luminism Shadow Box (figure 1) included learned about color schemes and shading. Some important color schemes include analogous, triadic, complementary, and split complementary. As for shading, I practiced on a worksheet in order to capture the likeness of objects in front of me. When it came time to decide what my final design would be, I was surprised by how challenging it was to make the drawing turn out the way I wanted it to. In the end, I decided to make the drawing simple, and have the complexity come out in the dark when the hidden images are revealed.
Software Engineering
First, to create 3D models and assemblies of the parts I would be creating in the Machine Shop, I went through tutorials on how to use SolidWorks. Once I felt comfortable with tools like smart dimensions, hole wizard, and boss extrude, I made each individual part of my Luminism Shadow Box. After that, I used those parts to create an assembly and a corresponding technical drawing (figure 2).
Second, to program the LEDs to perform a light show, I learned how to code an Arduino using C++. This was the most challenging part for me because it required figuring out how each line of code worked together. I struggled with creating succinct code that could create the patterns I wanted, but was able to overcome these difficulties by taking it one step at a time and looking at the bigger picture. ​
Manufacturing
To construct the frame of my Luminism Shadow Box (figure 3), I learned how to operate a mill. This entailed memorizing the parts and tools, as well as practicing loading and unloading the mill. Once I was certified to use the machine, I worked on assembling the frame, fitting the back plate, and machining holes for screws. The process of drilling holes was something I stepped up to assist with. I struggled at first because I wasn't confident operating a mill, but now I am able to comfortably use the machine to create parts for my projects.
Electrical Engineering
Once the frame was completed, I was taught how circuits work so that I could create my own (figure 4). Our lessons consisted of Ohm's law, the differences between series and parallel circuits, and LEDs. Through this portion of the project, I gained skills in circuitry and engineering, and now feel comfortable working with the aforementioned components. Learning about Ohm's law helped me understand which resistors to use with different colored LEDs, and learning about parallel circuits helped me understand how to connect wires to move the current throughout the circuit.