Ideation

ballerina box project

This week, I’m working on creating a DIY electronic project that combines simple circuits with a creative design. To ensure everything runs smoothly, I’ll start by building and testing the circuit on Tinkercad before moving to the breadboard.

The highlight of the project is a playful design called “Ballerina Cappuccina” inspired by the nostalgic, colorful bubble gums from old Disney cartoons. The goal is to blend basic electronics with a fun, retro-inspired concept, turning a simple circuit into something both functional and visually charming.

Tool Chain&Machines

For circle design

Tinker cad

For the electrical circuit

Adaptor 5V :The source of electricity.

LED: I will use 4 LEDs

Jumper Wire Double Ended Test Leads

on / if switch

Resistor 220: For the LED.

DC motor

DC power jack adapter

Jumper Wires ( male _ male / female _ female/ female _ male)

Small breadboard: To connect the circuit.

For the body

cardboard to make the chassis of the project

I will use scissors to cut the cardboard to make the body.

Paper

Double Face Tape

Design/Preparation Process

bandicam 2025-09-20 02-38-14-976.mp4

We started the design on Tinkercad by adding four LEDs to provide lighting for the model, along with resistors and a 5V power supply.
We also added a simple DC motor to allow movement in the design.

The circuit was placed on two types of breadboards: once on the large breadboard and once on the small breadboard.
However, in this design, we will rely on the connections on the small breadboard so it can fit inside the box.

Development/Implementation Process

THE CIRCUIT PROCESS

Based on the design in Tinkercad, you will need:

A small breadboard
Four LEDs
Male-to-female jumper wires (insert the LED leads into the female side and make sure you know the positive and negative ends)
battery, connected using crocodile clips
Connect the crocodile clips to male-to-male jumper wires
A DC motor, connected with two male-to-male jumper wires
An ON/OFF switch, connected using crocodile clips, then linked to male-to-male jumper wires
5V power supply

THE MAKING PROCESS

The first step was to take the dimensions on paper:
The base: 15 × 15 cm
The cylinder: height = 10 cm, length = 50 cm
The top circle: 15 × 15 cm
The small cylinder: height = 4 cm, diameter = 5 × 5 cm
The opening (slot): thickness = 2 cm or less

After cutting and checking the dimensions, you can assemble all the parts together using double-sided tape or any other available method (but this is the option we have right now).

Cut an opening for the ON/OFF switch and another for the power source.
Make sure all the connections are secure and nothing is loose, then install the LED in its proper place.

Final Project

After making sure everything is in place, connect the project to the power supply.

You will then have the final result of the Ballerina Box Project

video_2025-08-18_17-47-24.mp4

Overcoming Challenges

Challenges I Faced:

Difficulty in assembling:
- Reason: Lack of hot glue.
- Result: I had to use double-face tape instead, which affected the aesthetic appearance.
Cutting:
- The cutting was not professional enough.
Stability of electronic components:
- The components were not well fixed to the device.

Proposed Solutions:

Use stronger adhesives: such as hot glue instead of double-face tape.
Ensure professional cutting: by using sharper and smoother tools (e.g., precision knife or professional cutter).
Fix electronic components properly: using sticks/supports along with suitable adhesive to prevent movement or damage.