FART TO FUEL
Interactive STEM Museum Exhibit
3 Interactive Panels
4 Hands-On Activities
< 2 minute Experience
Learn About Biogas
[Trash vs Compost]
Catch the Compost
Turn Compost Into Energy
Power the Tractor & Save the Chickens!
Learn
Sort
Convert
Power
Understanding Our Users
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Empathy Map
Research showed younger students engage most when learning is physical, interactive, and story-driven — not text-heavy or passive.
The exhibit was designed around this: hands-on mechanics, clear visual cues, short engagement loops, and rewarding feedback.
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KTDA Analysis
Renewable energy concepts were compared using a weighted decision matrix based on safety, cost, engagement, clarity, feasibility, and interactivity.
Biogas scored highest, offering the strongest balance of physical interaction, storytelling, and accessible sustainability education.
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User Flow
A system flow mapped the full user journey through the exhibit—from learning about biogas to sorting waste, activating conversion, and seeing energy produced.
This framework clarified timing, instructions, feedback, and transitions, ensuring the experience remained intuitive, engaging, and educational.
Initial Sketches
Detailed mechanical drawings were developed to define component dimensions, spacing, and assembly constraints. These drawings ensured that all physical elements fit within size limitations, functioned independently, and remained durable for repeated use in a classroom or exhibit environment. All drawings were made with SolidWorks.
Cardboard Prototype
The exhibit was prototyped through multiple physical iterations, beginning with low-fidelity cardboard models and evolving into a fully assembled interactive system. Prototyping allowed us to test interaction points, refine layouts, and validate how users would physically move through the experience.
Interaction Design
1] Start the Experience
2] Compost Collection Game
Users approach the exhibit and press the illuminated Start button, prompted by the on-screen instructions.
A short introductory video sets the context and prepares them for the first challenge.
The sorting game begins.
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Users press left and right buttons to control a servo-powered basket.
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On-screen graphics and LED “falling waste” indicate compost vs. harmful trash.
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Players aim to collect compost while avoiding contaminants.
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Progress is tracked visually as buckets fill on screen.
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Sound effects provide immediate feedback for correct and incorrect selections.
Once three buckets are filled, the system transitions automatically to the next stage.
1) User clicks to start
1) Informational Video starts
2) Users can control the bucket to collect waste; powered by a Servo
2) LED strips; "waste" will start to fall
Introductory Video
Watch
3] Biogas Conversion
4] Power the Farm
The exhibit shifts from sorting to energy production.
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One user presses a button to maintain the correct temperature.
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A second user turns a 3D-printed crank to simulate mixing.
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A digital tank fills on screen as biogas is generated.
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Physical fog effects reinforce the transformation visually.
When enough biogas is produced, the system advances to the final stage.
A final video introduces the “emergency” narrative.
Users apply the biogas they created to power the tractor and save the chickens, completing the waste-to-energy cycle.
3) Temperature Dial
3) 3D- printed Crank
3) Button to control the temperature
3) "Biogas"
4) Chickens in danger!
4) Users power this tractor with their Biogas
Introductory Video
Watch
Technical Stack
More information can be read below in the full Technical Report.
Mechanical & Fabrication
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CAD modeling and assembly using SolidWorks and AutoCAD
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Laser-cut wooden structural components
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3D-printed custom parts (tractor mechanism, servo mounts, connectors)
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Hand-assembled mechanical systems including crank mechanism, waste basket, and temperature dial
Electronics & Hardware
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Arduino-based control system
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Servo motors for linear and rotational motion
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Rotary encoder for user-controlled cranking input
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Buttons and LED strips for real-time visual feedback
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Integrated wiring and component housing designed for safety and durability
Software & Logic
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Arduino programming for input handling, game logic, and actuator control
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Serial communication between Arduino and MATLAB
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MATLAB-driven visual interface for live feedback and instructional graphics
Prototyping & Testing
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Low-fidelity cardboard prototyping for layout and ergonomics
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Iterative functional testing of mechanical and electronic systems
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User testing focused on engagement, clarity, and interaction timing
