This week I focused on the switch inputs (and finished the ethics assignment). I tested the buttons we ordered with copper wire to check feel and basic continuity to the Pi. The buttons are tiny (as we had intended), but after testing them, we realized some usability trade-offs. First, direct finger presses are finicky, it is easier to press using something harder (such as a fingernail). Second, pressing through a thin sheet can potentially nudge nearby buttons and cause accidental triggers.
Given that, we are considering changing the design to place each button directly under a settlement/city game piece so the piece helps localizes force. While this is different from our original design where we wanted all the electrical components of the game board hidden under a layer, it still keeps the top surface clean (as the buttons are hidden under the game pieces). Therefore, it still aligns with our “invisible wiring but still tactile” goal of the design.
For the full board, we are planning an 11×11 switch matrix. I haven’t built the 3×3 yet, I only validated parts and wiring, but I outlined the scale-up path. Next week, I’ll wire a 3×3 and test for simultaneous presses without ghosting (with per-switch diodes if needed) and verify the press to LED mapping.