7P8- Makey Makey

Reflection:

• Using a Makey Makey and a computer, I designed a custom controller for a click speed test with the goal of beating the high score. I connected the Makey Makey to various conductive materials to create buttons that would register clicks when pressed, then linked the setup to the click speed test on the computer. With this controller in hand, I could measure my speed and precision more effectively than with a standard mouse, and my focus became entirely on improving my performance. The process was both a fun challenge and a way to push my abilities, all while testing the limits of the high score and seeing how fast I could go.

• During this process, I learned how to create a controller using a Makey Makey, which was a valuable hands-on experience in both electronics and programming. I started by understanding how the Makey Makey works: it uses conductive materials to complete circuits and trigger inputs on the computer, acting like a keyboard or mouse. I then experimented with different materials to create buttons and connected them to the Makey Makey board, ensuring that each one would register as a click in the speed test. Throughout this process, I not only learned the technical aspects of building the controller but also gained insight into how simple hardware components can interact with software to create custom, interactive experiences.

• The 7 standards of the class are Empowered Learner, Digital Citizen, Knowledge Constructor, Innovative Designer, Computational Thinker, Creative Communicator, and Global Collaborator. My project ties to digital citizen because I am sharing a website with the world.

• A challenge I faced during this project was getting the alligator clips to work properly, as they didn't always register the correct input when connected to the Makey Makey. At first, I had trouble ensuring the clips were making a solid connection, which sometimes led to missed or inconsistent clicks in the test. After troubleshooting, I realized that the key was in how I connected the clips—making sure they were securely attached to both the conductive materials and the correct terminals on the board. Once I adjusted the connections, everything worked as expected, and I was able to proceed with the project. This experience taught me the importance of paying attention to detail and troubleshooting when working with new technology.

• Given a chance to do this project again, I would choose a different material for creating my controller. While the materials I used worked fine, I realized that they were quite simple to work with, and I might be able to design a more innovative or durable controller with something more complex. Using basic materials made the project easy to execute, but it also limited the potential for creativity and challenge. By experimenting with different materials or designs, I could push my skills further and create a more refined, functional controller that would add both to the project's difficulty and to the final outcome.

• Hastings High School Career and Technical Education Program offers Agriculture, Business Management, Computer Programming, Construction Trades, Culinary Arts, Digital Multimedia, Engineering Design, Finance, Insurance, Marketing.  My project connects to the digital multimedia CTE program at Hastings High School.  

• My project connects to careers in graphic design because both involve using a computer to create and manipulate designs. In graphic design, professionals often work with digital tools to create visuals for websites, advertisements, logos, and more, similar to how I used a computer in my project to run the click speed test and control the inputs. Both fields require creativity, an understanding of technology, and the ability to problem-solve—skills I developed while designing my custom controller. The process of combining hardware and software in my project is also similar to how graphic designers might integrate digital elements with physical or interactive components in their work.