Pretty Tech

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  An icebreaker with a twist.

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  A printed circuit board simulation of the front of the board. The square blocks in the eyes represent the LEDs.

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  A printed circuit board simulation of the back of the board. The silver ares represent where components will be soldered to the circuit.

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  Working Prototype of lighted circuit. Example conversation starter "What are you looking to get out of this experience?"

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  Working prototype of QR Technology attached with simple electronics for user assembly.

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  The digital twin avatar of the kit.

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  Users can buy, download, share, and sell their digital twins on the blockchain.

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  Extra: A simulation example hackdfw logo badge (front)

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  Extra: A simulation example hackdfw logo badge (back)

Inspiration

I’ve had an interest in engineering since I was five, but my father was in the military so staying connected to friends when we moved was tough. I never lived anywhere long enough to find STEM mentors participate in engineering programs or projects that I found interesting & easy to understand. As an adult, I still struggle with adult human connection, when I have to move for work I have to start over. I’m still growing in my career and it would be nice to have direct access to a network of employers and a community of a like-minded community to take with me.

What it does

Pretty Tech is a DIY icebreaker activity that not only breaks students into technology it breaks the ice in face-to-face interactions. . If completed correctly the pin will light up. A QR code is attached to the back of the pin where they access the digital twin of the kit and communicate with other users on the blockchain. Once connected to the blockchain, users can trade or sell their avatar like baseball cards, ask questions and find friends through our messaging platform. In addition, users have a cool souvenir to keep them reminded of their experiences.

The biggest feature of this kit is its design. Appearances matter. People see you, hear you and smell you before they decide to speak to you and I want to give people a reason to speak to each other in real life. Which is why I focus so heavily in incorporating a game-like avatar with a light to spark curiosity. PCBs do not normally look like enamel pins and the possibilities are endless on the graphics & technology I can incorporate.

Pretty Tech is intended to simplify STEM project based learning and give users opportunities to further make connections that they can take with them over their lifetime.

This kit can be used for events like HackDFW, companies or school education..etc., to first get conversations started & then maintain access to community of likeminded individuals. An example use case: A kit can represent a sponsor logo or mascot with challenge questions on it. Hackers have to assemble the pin together and then go to other hackers to figure out all of the challenge questions. When a Hackers light is off it means they have all their challenge questions when it’s on they still need to find more people to talk to.

Hopefully, this translates into fortifying employees together within organizations and higher numbers of students pursuing careers in STEM-related fields. In cases where under deserved communities do not have access to internet or mobile devices. Students can still assemble the hardware to learn about engineering concepts without access to internet.

How we built it

I used an open source image from Freepix.com and ECAD software for the digital demo and created a simple circuit out of printer paper, circuit tape and electronic components to demonstrate functionality. Quick Response(QR) technology is used to access the digital twin of the assembly kit. (note. it is not intended for the kit to be made of paper. I would like to show that pcbs can be reimagined into something more interesting to encourage learning and connection).

Challenges we ran into

Circuit boards are usually manufactured or used on a breadboard however to demonstrate the graphics that can be used paper circuits were more appropriate. However paper circuit have a hard time holding charge and keeping connectivity. I have never made a circuit out of paper and would never do it again. It was exhausting getting my circuit to function properly. But I'm glad it worked out.

Time, exhaustion, keeping my eyes open. Battling my desire to munch and walk around. I is tired friend.

Accomplishments that we're proud of

I am proud that I can demonstrate an MVP.

What we learned

Time management. When in a time crunch understanding what’s most valuable in your elevator pitch.

What's next for Pretty Tech

Hopefully a pilot workshop for community outreach programs and organizations. For companies who are trying to close the digital divide, who want to empower people who serve the public, who want to connect their employees to engage in a innovative way, who want to better engage with their consumers to connect with them, who wants to engage Millenials & Genz generation to start thinking about retirement. I want to make this a real conversation piece to keep us pushing towards overcoming underrepresentation in STEM.

Built With

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