Music Jewelry Box

Final Design and Laser-cutting:

Assembly

I didn't capture many photos during the box assembly process because I was fully focused on completing it efficiently. I had to work quickly to apply wood glue to each socket of the wooden pieces, ensuring a snug fit like assembling a puzzle. To spread the glue evenly and reach tight corners, I used a small paintbrush. As I joined the pieces, there was some excess glue, known as "glue squeeze-out," which I used to reinforce the bonds by spreading it around. Once all the pieces were assembled, I applied more glue between the connected parts to strengthen the structure and prevent the box from collapsing.

Music Inspiration and Coding Process

I used the Arduino IDE's built-in examples for custom libraries on my Circuit Playground Board project. To access the sound sensor code, I followed this path on my Macbook: File > Examples > Adafruit Circuit Playground > Hello_CircuitPlayground > Hello_SoundSensor. Inspired by "The Avatar's Love" from Avatar the Last Airbender, I wanted to play the beginning melody. To achieve this, I utilized the Adafruit MakeCode website. It allowed me to create melody blocks interactively, which was helpful for hearing the music online without constant board verification and uploads on the Arduino IDE software. Although I faced limitations in the melodies and keys available, I tried my best. However, when I attempted to repeat the first three notes of the song, it didn't sound right despite adjusting the pitches. After creating what I considered a perfect tone, I found a second section on the website providing the JavaScript code for the tones. I incorporated this code into my existing Hello_SoundSensor code.

Reflection

My experience with pitching taught me the importance of resilience and mindset. Initially, I misunderstood the pitch assignment, thinking it was for a group project instead of our individual final project. This led to embarrassment during the pitch session when I realized my mistake, and I didn't have a personal pitch ready. Despite this setback, my partner and I presented our joint pitch that we made outside of class. I felt discouraged as I missed feedback for my final project idea. Fortunately, I got a chance to present my final project pitch to the next class. Despite my previous embarrassment, I decided to approach it with resilience and a positive mindset. I resolved to put in extra effort and make my final project pitch the best pitch possible. I practiced a day beforehand, and although it was scary, I managed to deliver an interactive and passionate presentation. I believe that this experience taught me the importance of perseverance and preparation in overcoming setbacks.

After presenting my project pitch, I immediately dove into crafting a detailed sketch and design for my music jewelry box. However, I had no prior experience with using the laser cutter or Adobe Illustrator. This lack of experience provided an opportunity for me to exercise my self-efficacy and believing in my capabilities to complete my project. Instead of struggling alone, I reached out for assistance, which resulted in me receiving guidance from Rachel and Imaane (Fimbel Staff/Student Staff). Rachel provided me with useful resources like Boxes.py and Makercase for laser cutting box templates. She recommended Boxes.py as the easier option and guided me through selecting a suitable template with a lid and hinges. Rachel also taught me how to operate the Appa laser cutter, including software usage, preparing for laser cutting with a focusing tool, and determining the appropriate speed, power, and frequency settings based on the material.

Imaane played a significant role in helping me navigate Adobe Illustrator. She assisted me in creating designs for both cutting and engraving, teaching me techniques like "image tracing" for online vector designs and how to manipulate properties like grouping and ungrouping to ensure compatibility with the laser cutter. Her guidance on adjusting design properties in Illustrator was crucial for achieving the desired outcome on the laser cutter. My attentive listening skills during my session with Imaane helped me understand the fundamentals of Adobe Illustrator—without her, I wouldn't have made significant progress on my project. 

When reflecting on this project experience, I see parallels with how I approach various tasks in different contexts. Just like any assignment, I tackled this project methodically, starting with brainstorming and establishing fundamentals. I prioritize organization and planning, using tools like Google Calendar to stay on track and manage my time effectively. When I encounter challenges, like finding resources or understanding concepts, I'm not afraid to seek help from professors or explore additional online resources. In collaborative settings, I maintain an open mindset and prioritize active listening, recognizing the value of diverse perspectives. Taking initiative is a key aspect of my approach, whether it's leading a group project or seeking out opportunities for courses, internships, or research. This proactive approach extends to planning my long-term trajectory, where I prioritize personal growth and exploration of various paths, even if it means stepping out of my comfort zone. Despite the common perception of computer science leading to software engineering roles, I've discovered a keen interest in cybersecurity through exploration and self-reflection. This experience has taught me the importance of embracing opportunities and taking initiative in shaping my own path forward.