Circuit Problem 

For my circuit problem, I decided to create a card inspired by my Fujifilm instant camera. When you pull the tab, the lights flash, a picture pops out at the top, and a message appears at the bottom! To reset, you slide the pull tab back up. 

In developing this card from prototype to version 1 to the final version, I encountered a few hiccups.

In the prototype, I had two design options for the circuit and LED placement: everything could either go on the back of the front flap of the camera or on the front of the back flap (see slide below). While creating the circuit route, I realized the two paths needed to connect at the battery. From our lesson, I remembered the fold technique that allows the ends to touch the battery. To replicate this, I created a flap and secured it with a small binder clip; all of this is hidden inside the “camera.”

For version 1 of the card, I chose the back of the front flap and planned to place three small LEDs where the flash would be. However, because the space was so limited, I couldn’t fit all three LEDs. After multiple attempts and four hours of troubleshooting, I decided to pivot to a single LED instead.

Once I confirmed that one LED was sufficient, I had to determine where to place the copper tape to connect the circuit. I considered two options: the pull tab or the sliding mechanism that moves the picture up and out of the camera. After testing both, I found the pull tab worked best. This change led me to version 2, where I placed the circuit and LED on the front of the back flap of the camera, allowing the pull tab with the copper tape on its back to make contact.