Play with experimental connection techniques and work-in-progress breakout boards for use with pancake-style vibrating motors. Both hard and soft circuit approaches will be introduced – soldering, sewing, and working with conductive fabric tape.

$30 for members, $50 for non-members

Register here

Hello Haptics!

From the rattle of early pager motors to the clicks and purrs of smart phone haptic engines, the ability for our devices to buzz has become increasingly sophisticated. Yet connecting to the tiny wires of a simple vibe motor frequently stumps both novice and experienced DIY electronics practitioners. This workshop will share experimental connection techniques and work-in-progress breakout boards for use with pancake-style vibrating motors. Both hard and soft circuit approaches will be introduced – soldering, sewing, and working with conductive fabric tape. Ways of wearing the vibe motors on the body will also be explored.

Participants will follow along and create a set of “Buzz Bites” - vibe motors with varying styles of robust electrical connections that are ready to be used in future projects. All levels of experience are welcome, and show-and-tell of prior vibrotactile feedback projects will be encouraged.

PREREQUISITE KNOWLEDGE

-> Very basic experience with Arduino and soldering experience is recommended.

-> A laptop with Arduino installed is required.

-> Bring your favorite Arduino-compatible microcontroller if you have one. (There will also be some available to borrow.)

ABOUT THE FACILITATORS

Social Body Lab (SBL) is an art, design, and research lab at OCAD University in Toronto, Canada. Kate Hartman is the SBL founder and co-director and an Associate Professor in the Digital Futures (DF) with a focus on wearable electronics and electronic textiles. Hartman is the author of “Make: Wearable Electronics”, 2nd edition (2025). Hartman’s art practice centres people and the nuances and awkward bits of their social interactions. Juan Sulca is a maker and software engineer with passion for the web, hardware, and generative art. He is a SBL collaborator who recently completed the DF graduate program with a focus on Open Hardware.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

MEMBER PRICING
InterAccess Studio Members receive a 40% discount on all workshops. To activate Studio Member pricing, click "Use ticket access code" at checkout and enter your Member discount code.

EQUITY ACCESS PRICING
To reduce financial barriers, a pay-what-you-can (PWYC) discount is available for any community members that self-identify as part of an equity-seeking group, which includes (but is not limited to) disabled, Black, Indigenous, students, and newcomers. This discount is also available to those earning less than a living wage. To request an Equity Access code, please email education@interaccess.org.

ACCESSIBILITY INFORMATION
We are located on the second floor of the building, which is accessible by two flights of stairs or an elevator. The front entrance has an automatic push door and is accessible by ramp or a short flight of stairs. Inside, all InterAccess facilities are on the same level, including a single-user accessible washroom.

CANCELLATION AND RESCHEDULING POLICY
Please email education@interaccess.org to request a refund. We are unable to guarantee attendee cancellations or refunds less than 1 week prior to a workshop or event. InterAccess reserves the right to cancel or reschedule this workshop if necessary.

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