Interfacing with custom hardware through Arduino

When we design the interface for an interactive artwork or product, we may need to use physical objects for the interaction design, such as a touch sensitive paper, a weight sensing chair, or a motor-controlled device. In this case, we have to look for a computing device that can interface with those custom hardware. A micro-controller will serve the purpose. A micro-controller is a small computer that mainly takes care of external inputs and outputs with custom electronics. Arduino (http://www.arduino.cc) is a popular choice in the creative communities, due to its simplicity and online support.

Before we start, you have to get an Arduino board with a number of accessories from its official store at http://store.arduino.cc/ww/index.php or other worldwide distributors. Besides the Arduino micro-controller, we also need a few LED lights, resistors, on-off switches, connection wires, servomotors, and photo-resistors. The following figure is of...