The Unconventional Bulbasaur Switch

This project transforms a plush Bulbasaur into a soft, interactive electronic interface using basic circuit design and conductive materials. A conductive necklace wrapped around the plush and alligator clips are attached to the necklace. This then connects Bulbasaur to wires on a breadboard-based circuit that includes a push-button, 9-volt power source, a USB power supply and an green LED. While the plush serves as an adorable tactile and conceptual interface. Whereas, the LED is activated when a physical button on the breadboard is pressed. Which allows users to manually trigger the system and observe the electrical response.

When the push-button on the breadboard is pressed, current flows from the 5-volt power source through the button, into the conductive necklace attached to Bulbasaur then through a resistor and LED before returning to ground. The resistor limits current to protect the LED from burning out. While the LED provides a visual signal that the circuit is active.

This project explores how soft materials--or adorable anime critters--and traditional electronics can be combined into playful, experimental interface. By connecting a plushie to a functioning electronic system, this highlights the expressive potential of physical computing and invites users to think of using everyday objects as interactive components.

Sketch

Schematic

Pictures

Video Demonstration