As luck would have it, I learned about the Infy Makers Grant on the same day applications are due! Fortunately, I already had a project that I’ve been DREAMING about for months now! As part of the application we had to shoot a fun introduction video and post it, so I invite you all to check out my submission video!!
Category: Projects
LED Escape Room Puzzle
In an escape room, LEDs can do a lot of heavy-lifting when it comes to the feeling of immersion. Although “Iced” was a lock and key puzzle, the pulsing LEDs in the background elevated the puzzle and made it feel very high tech.
Most of this puzzle was build on the laser machine at my Makerspace. I was able to cut the backboard, the letters, and the boxes on the ends of the LED tube out of 1/8″ thick birch plywood.
The LEDs were generic addressable LEDs from Amazon. The lights were powered by an Arduino Nano. Since the light display I was going for was relatively I was able to modify example code from the NeoPixel library.
I was very happy with how the puzzle turned out. The room started off semi-dark which really made the white LEDs stand out!
QR Code Scavenger Hunt
Partnered with Coast Connect in Santa Cruz, CA to develop a QR code-based scavenger hunt. The hunt was a part of their celebration of a new section of Rail Trail being opened.
Major Project Steps
- Pitch the idea to the board
- After approval, request 10 fun facts about the Rail Trail Project
- Scout location and develop game flow
- Draft design for scavenger hunt signs and submit to board for approval
- Built technology frontend using Google Forms
- Finalize, print, and laminate signs
- Deliver to Coast Connect for installation
Overall, this was a great project to work on. I really enjoyed working with Coast Connect. Their people are great AND their mission is amazing! I’m glad I was able to design a game to be a part of the opening ceremony for the new trail in the community!