Introduction: Tools for Assistive Technology With Makey Makey

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Using the Makey Makey as a tool for assistive technology

Step 1: Using Your Makey Makey

The Makey Makey is a very easy to use programmable computer interface. There are many tutorials like this but essentially just plug it in vial USB, hold the ground, and touch the buttons! Out of the box the Makey Makey has the ability to control most functions but if you want to

Step 2: Simple Switches

I'm defining simple switches as ones where the user themselves are grounded and any range of conductive objects can be attached to any of the positive connections on the Makey Makey. This is the fastest and easiest way to make use of the Makey Makey interface. Using nothing but alligator clips and objects around you control the computer keyboard and mouse. Some examples of these switches are using things like play-doh, wet sponges, aluminium foil, people, metal objects, the possibilities are endless.

Step 3: Conductive Switches

These switches take a lot more effort to make, however they allow the user no neither be grounded nor even touching it themselves, they could be activated by something like an conductive wand or a piece of aluminum.

The concept behind these is simple, there is a small gap between the ground and positive wires and when either the user or something else conductive touches it they bridge the small gap and complete the circuit thus activating the Makey Makey.