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Project Ideation
Project Ideation
1- Tell us about the purpose of your project. Which problem does it solve? Why do you care about this? What were you inspired by? Include images and videos of similar projects
1- Tell us about the purpose of your project. Which problem does it solve? Why do you care about this? What were you inspired by? Include images and videos of similar projects
1. Purpose of the Project
1. Purpose of the Project
Visually impaired students often struggle with basic spatial and measurement tasks in STEM education. Traditional rulers and measuring tools rely on visual cues, creating a barrier to independent learning and experimentation.
Why I Care:
As someone who has taught many blind students, I’ve personally witnessed how a lack of accessible measurement tools limits their engagement and confidence. This project is driven by a desire to create inclusive educational environments and enable blind students to actively participate in hands-on STEM activities.
Inspiration:
My students’ daily struggles and creative coping methods.
Tools like Duka Digital Ruler and low-cost assistive devices inspired this DIY, Arduino-based solution.
2- Describe the project idea and general features. How would it work?
2- Describe the project idea and general features. How would it work?
2. Project Idea and General Features
The digital ruler uses a rotary encoder wheel to track distance as it rolls across surfaces. It outputs real-time measurement data to an LCD screen, and provides audio feedback through a speaker.
Main Features:
Measures linear distance in cm/mm.
Audible feedback.
Large-font LCD display for teachers or partially sighted users.
3- Sketch your project: You may use pen and paper or a simple sketching tool like Microsoft Paint or Photoshop
3- Sketch your project: You may use pen and paper or a simple sketching tool like Microsoft Paint or Photoshop
Project Planning
Project Planning
4- Describe the Technical Modules that your project consists of
4- Describe the Technical Modules that your project consists of
Construction Parts
3D printed/laser-cut body with slot for encoder wheel, OLED screen, Arduino
Input
(Sensing, Tactile Input, and/or Graphical Input)
Rotary encoder + wheel, tactile buttons for unit selection or reset
Action
(Physical and/or Graphic)
OLED screen displays measurement; speaker gives feedback
Brain
Arduino Uno or Nano; reads encoder pulses, calculates distance
Power Management
Battery or USB power bank
5- Create a cardboard prototype of your project, demonstrating the project face as well as internal movements and mechanisms. Include a demo video and photos of the prototype.
5- Create a cardboard prototype of your project, demonstrating the project face as well as internal movements and mechanisms. Include a demo video and photos of the prototype.
A preliminary cardboard prototype illustrating the implementation of the digital ruler. The main challenge ahead is downsizing the device for improved portability.
The digital ruler
The internal components of the digital ruler
The side that shows the speaker opening and the rotating wheel.
The power button
Project demo cardboard MD25.mp4Video: A demo that shows the digital ruler made of cardboard.
6- Categorize your project’s User Features into: Minimum, Complete, and Nice-to-have features. List the required action and input components per feature.
6- Categorize your project’s User Features into: Minimum, Complete, and Nice-to-have features. List the required action and input components per feature.
Minimum Features: are the least amount of features that would demonstrate the coverage of all the technical modules and their complete integration
Complete Features: are the set of features that will complete your original project objective and vision
Nice-to-have Features: are the extra set of features that will make the project cooler, yet they need extra time, effort, and/or resources to finish
Minimum User Features
Distance measurement + OLED display
Action: Rotary encoder, Arduino, OLED
Sensing: Rotary encoder
User Input: Rotary encoder
Complete User Features
Distance measurement + OLED+ tactile buttons for reset button + Voice feedback
Nice-to-have User Features
Bluetooth for app syncing
7- What are the required electronic components and materials for the project?
7- What are the required electronic components and materials for the project?
Component/Material
Amount
Link
8- What are the project tasks and its time-frame?
8- What are the project tasks and its time-frame?
Task
Sub-Tasks
From:
To:
Research & Planning
- Study rotary encoder basics
- Check OLED + speaker integration
- Define project scope & features
Hardware Selection & Setup
- Choose Arduino + parts
- Connect rotary encoder on breadboard
- Verify encoder pulse output
Encoder Software
- Write code to read pulses
- Convert to distance (calibration)
- Test accuracy with ruler
OLED Integration
- Interface LCD with Arduino
- Display distance in real-time
- Format readable output
Audio Feedback
- Add buzzer/speaker code
- Test tones for every unit distance
- Adjust frequency/volume
System Integration
Test combined system
Enclosure & Usability
Creating 3D design using Fusion for the housing
Final Testing & Documentation
- Accuracy tests vs real ruler
- Test on multiple surfaces
- Write user guide & record demo
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