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SI 511: IoT Prototyping and Innovation
Update: SI 511 Postponed
Update: SI 511 Postponed
If you’re interested in IoT prototyping, 3D modeling and 3D printing, inventing new form factors, or designing for voice, gesture, touch, haptics, ambient interfaces, AR/VR, or holograms, consider enrolling in SI 612: Pervasive Interaction Design. SI 612 uses many of the same prototyping approaches originally planned for SI 511 and includes multiple visits to the UMSI Maker Lab for hands-on work.
The main difference is that SI 612 begins with understanding the people and environments you are designing for, and then moves into building the IoT prototypes — so the making is still a major component.
Undergrads who have completed SI 407 and graduate students who have completed SI 582 may enroll in SI 612. Undergrads will need to email the UMSI Registrar (umsi.registrar@umich.edu), cc slbrento@umich.edu, and indicate interest in enrolling in SI 612.
SI 612 often has a waitlist at the start of the semester because many students “shop” for courses, but seats usually open by Week 2–3 of the semester. If the class is full, please add yourself to the waitlist.
What is IoT Prototyping?
What is IoT Prototyping?
The Internet of Things (IoT) connects everyday devices to the internet, enabling them to collect, share, and act on data.
This IoT Prototyping course uses a maker-focused approach to make technical skills fun and easier to learn.
You’ll create hands-on projects like smart devices and interactive physical prototypes, incorporating tools and techniques such as 3D printing, 3D modeling, laser cutting, and sewing.
This creative, interdisciplinary experience will help you master IoT fundamentals while exploring its real-world applications in a collaborative and engaging environment.
How easy/difficult is this course? (it's very manageable; you choose which areas to be challenged in)
How easy/difficult is this course? (it's very manageable; you choose which areas to be challenged in)
Why This IoT Prototyping Class is Fun and Feasible for any UMSI student:
Maker Approach: Learn IoT prototyping in a hands-on, creative way that makes technical skills easier to pick up.
Start Simple: Begin with small chunks of code and tweak them to fit your project—perfect for beginners. Advanced students are welcome to dive in deeper and challenge themselves if they want to be a stronger programmer.
Quick Wins: See immediate results, like making a robot move or creating an interactive device, without extensive coding experience.
Learn by Doing: Experiment, tinker, and build without worrying about perfection or complex debugging.
Low Barrier to Entry: No need for advanced coding or setup; the class is designed to be welcoming and beginner-friendly.
Custom Projects: Choose your own project and learn the specific skills you need to bring it to life.
Supportive Environment: Enjoy instructor guidance and self-paced learning with access to tools like 3D printers, Cricut Maker 4, 3D scanning and more.
It’s easier than you think—come see what you can create!
What have 612 students prototyped in the past using the maker approach?
What kinds of things could I prototype in this class?
What kinds of things could I prototype in this class?
You and your friend could program tiaras (or t-shirts or bracelets) to sparkle when you walk past each other in the hall!
Any Iron Man fans? You could make your own Arc Reactor that pulses light to match your heartbeat.
Create a desktop calendar that helps you see upcoming events you have scheduled!
weather_matrix_display.mp4Create a fun display for keeping an eye on the weather!
I took SI612 already. How is this class different? Should I take both classes ?
I took SI612 already. How is this class different? Should I take both classes ?
SI 511 will skip user research and IoT design best practices and go straight to prototyping.
SI 511 will skip user research and IoT design best practices and go straight to prototyping.
SI 612 (Pervasive Interaction Design) spends the first part of the semester helping students understand how IoT technology fits into people’s everyday lives in a seamless, meaningful way.
To do this, 612 includes contextual inquiry, cultural probes, diary studies, and early concept testing with a student-selected audience and environment. Students also learn to design for different modalities like voice, gesture, touch, motion sensors, and ambient interfaces.
In 612, prototyping begins around the midpoint of the semester, followed by user testing and a refined final prototype.
IoT Prototyping and Innovation (SI 511) is different: students start building prototypes on day one and continue improving them throughout the semester. The class emphasizes hands-on making, experimenting with form factors, and iterating with physical and digital components from the start.
You’re welcome to take the classes in any order or even at the same time — just expect to work on two different projects, since the courses take different approaches.
IoT Libraries?
IoT Libraries?
Books that check themselves out? A device that shows you the temperature, humidity, noise level, and how many patrons are present in each section?
Totally doable with IoT Prototyping! Come learn how to start building solutions like this and make your ideas come to life!
E-Textiles
E-Textiles
What can you do with some fabric, sewable NeoPixels, and some code from Adafruit that you download and modify for your project? So many cool things! Look at this fun project in progress by a reddit user!
Big Data Analytics
Big Data Analytics
Big Data Analytics students could convert their models into a 3D printable object, you could create something like this bar chart from https://www.whiteclouds.com/
Inspiration: Conductive Thread
Inspiration: Conductive Thread
What can you do with conductive thread? Watch this video by Kandenko and find out! Working with conductive thread is just one of the many possibilities in a maker space!
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