Day 1: (Mon Aug 24, Week 1) Welcome and Introduction

Notes for 2026-08-24.

Please bookmark this site: https://courses.ideate.cmu.edu/16-223

Please make a tape nametag before we begin.

Agenda

1. Welcome!

   • What is IDeATe?

   • What is Physical Computing? What is a kinetic system?

   • Project focus: kinetic devices which spark joy in others

   • the final deliverable will include a self-contained device

   • Unspoken prerequisites.

   • 16-223 is a good portal for the IDeATe Physical Computing Minor

   • Review of some previous final projects

2. Mutual introductions, In-Class Exercise: Interview Game

   • Name tags and photos.

3. Administrative

   • Course site: https://courses.ideate.cmu.edu/16-223

     • Daily log pages (like this one): Daily Agenda Logbook

     • Canvas

     • Andrew email

   • My Office Hours and Zoom information

     • Friday 3-5PM, plus some other options on request

   • Laser cutter qualification: see IDeATe Laser Cutters

   • Attendance and lateness policies

   • Health Absence Policy

   • Electronic device policies

   • Google Shared Drive and Data Retention

   • Generative Artificial Intelligence

   • Computing Needs

   • Physical Computing Lab

     • card access

     • for all questions about IDeATe facilities, please email help@ideate.cmu.edu

     • Physical Computing Lab use and abuse

     • we are sharing the room with other classes (see IDeATe PhysComp Lab Calendar)

     • fire exits

     • Federal Law Enforcement

4. Parts and materials show and tell.

5. As needed: brief tour of the IDeATe fabrication facilities.

New Assignments

1. Please complete the CKS Fall 2026 Skill Survey. This should just take a few minutes.

2. Before the next class, please arrange access to SolidWorks 2026 (the version now in the clusters) and bring a laptop to class. Here are several options:

   1. via https://virtual.andrew.cmu.edu/ (see notes; Omnissa Horizon Client recommended)

   2. by installing on your personal Windows laptop (see notes)

   3. by installing in a compatible Windows virtual machine on your personal computer

3. Please complete laser-cutter training as soon as possible, if you have not already done so. Note that we will soon have assignments requiring access, and you are responsible for ensuring your qualification.

   The current procedure is documented on IDeATe Laser Cutters. It includes a in-person EH&S Fire Extinguisher training session, an online EH&S Laser Cutter course, and IDeATe-specific reading and procedure.