Planning a Wearable Electronics Project

Pages
Contributors: Gella
Favorited Favorite 25

Refining Your Design

After some basic prototyping with your components, take some time to do a more refined sketch or diagram of the circuit layout. This is an opportunity to catch any problems with the design (crossed conductive thread paths, lack of room for components, etc.) before you start the construction process. This final sketch can also serve as a guideline if components get misplaced or moved during the build process.

alt text

An example of a design layout created in a graphics program - note the inclusion of a diagram of the garment as well as detailed labeling of the hook ups for the boards.

alt text

This project uses a handout created by Creativity Labs to finalize the circuit layout.

Diagramming with Fritzing

Fritzing is a great open source tool that allows you to design a schematic and wiring diagrams. The program allows you to drag and drop components in a window and drag wiring lines between them to brainstorm or document hook ups. If you prefer a computer generated circuit diagram to hand sketching, Fritzing is a great choice that also comes pre-loaded with a lot of LilyPad components to use.

D&D gauntlet circuit

An example of a LilyPad Arduino project diagram created with Fritzing.

After doing a final sketch it is time to connect the electronics. Depending on your design, you may also be able to place the clipped pieces on your project to help plan final placement.

Make sure to unplug any power source or battery while moving the pieces to avoid short circuits caused by accidental disconnection of alligator clips or components touching each other during movement.