Zombitron is an open-source research project started by Clara Rigaud allowing the design of new interactive devices made with obsolete smartphones. In our research workshop we will focus on making music together with the existing Zombitron. But we will go a step further.

The aim is to explore how smartphones from a different generation (2012>2020) can, once combined together, provide new interactive possibilities through their panel of various sensors (gyroscopes, NFC chip readers, etc) in addition to the touch screen. In this workshop, we will explore how Zombitron can be combined with external sensors as well. We will develop new sensors to build even richer Zombitrons.

We will use premade experimental buttons and we will develop other diy sensors and hopefully play with them with the help of esp32’s.
We have invited Zombitron developer Clara Rigaud & artist developer Rebekka Jochem* to join us in our experiments.

We will work on two levels
– code: programming esp32’s to interact with Zombitron ( via the network and the browsers of the phones)
– tinkering: make and finetune DIY sensors, like experimental buttons, to be able to connect to Zombitron

*Bios

Clara Rigaud is a lecturer and researcher at École Centrale Lyon in France and a member of the Limites Numériques research collective. Her research focuses on the design of interactive interfaces, using methodologies from the fields of HMI, interaction design and sustainability.
(https://clararigaud.com/fr/)

Rebekka Jochem is a designer and media artist living in Germany and Belgium.
(www.rebekkajochem.com/index.html)

Practical

• Enroll by e-mail to wendy@constantvzw.org before 04/12/2025
• Vegetarian lunch is provided, please provide information around allergies
• Bring working old phones, with a sound output like minijack
• Bring your own esp32 with a working IDE if you have one

Accessibility

• The two days will take part in the studio of Constant
• Address: Jetsesesteenweg 388 Chaussée de Jette, 1081 Koekelberg (Brussels)
• Wheelchair accessible entrance + toilet + meeting space
• Parking in the street is usually available, we can block a parking spot if asked in advance.

Language

• The main language of communication is English.
• Whisper translation to French and Dutch can be organised on the spot.