Interview about Commi Board Prototyping Tool, winner of the A' Education, Teaching Aid and Training Content Design Award 2025
Commi Board is a modular, app-integrated prototyping platform that connects theoretical learning with real-world application. Designed for educators, students, and tech enthusiasts, it enables users to simulate microcontroller functions on smart devices. With a staged learning roadmap, community-driven app, and flexible modular design, Commi Board simplifies prototyping and makes electronic experimentation more accessible.
View detailed images, specifications, and award details on A' Design Award & Competition website.
View Design DetailsThe AI-driven neuro-linguistic programming in Commi Board allows users to interact with the platform using natural language, making electronics prototyping more intuitive. Beginners can describe what they want to build without coding knowledge, while advanced users benefit from faster, more flexible workflows. This feature personalizes the learning experience, aligns with Commi's staged education model, and makes prototyping more accessible across all skill levels.
The idea to make Commi Board mobile-first came from seeing how central smartphones have become in everyday life, especially for students and hobbyists. Traditional prototyping tools can be bulky, expensive, and difficult to set up. In contrast, smartphones are portable, easy to use, and already in people’s hands. By using them as the core of the prototyping experience, we made it possible to turn theory into practice anytime, anywhere.Smartphones also have much more processing power than basic microcontrollers, which allows Commi Board to run real-time simulations, give instant feedback, and support AI-assisted programming. This means users can design, test, and learn more efficiently—without needing extra equipment. It makes electronics more approachable, more interactive, and more fun for learners of all levels.
Simplifying PCB design while ensuring reliable GPIO communication was one of the toughest parts of building Commi Board. As a solo designer, I had to approach it step by step—focusing on modular design, minimizing complexity, and using only essential, cost-effective components. I relied heavily on open-source resources, online communities, and a lot of trial and error to shape the first theoretical prototype.Instead of building around a high-power microcontroller, I chose to use the smartphone’s superior processing power. Through USB-C and Bluetooth protocols, I enabled both line direct and bluetooth GPIO communication between the board and the device. This choice kept the hardware simple but functional. The early prototypes revealed issues like signal noise and power efficiency, but each round of testing helped me refine the design—making it more accessible without sacrificing performance.
The staged learning roadmap in Commi Board was designed to support users at every skill level, from absolute beginners to advanced programmers. It starts with puzzle-like visual programming, ideal for younger learners or those new to electronics—helping them understand logic through simple, drag-and-drop elements. Next is a Scratch-like interface, which introduces flow, events, and conditionals in a more flexible visual way.As users gain confidence, they can transition to AI-assisted natural language programming, where they describe their goals in plain language and let the system generate or guide code. Finally, advanced users can access a full IDE, offering complete control over coding and debugging. These four methods are interconnected, allowing users to move smoothly between them as they grow—making learning progressive, engaging, and deeply customizable.
The community-driven app component of Commi Board adds a powerful social layer to learning and prototyping. Users can share their projects, explore others’ work, and access a growing library of open-source circuits and code. This creates a collaborative environment where beginners can learn from real examples and advanced users can contribute, inspire, and mentor others.It also encourages experimentation—seeing how others solve problems helps users approach their own projects with more creativity and confidence. By blending social interaction with technical learning, the app makes prototyping feel less isolated and more like a shared, evolving experience.
Portability was a key design goal, especially since Commi Board is intended to attach directly to the back of a smartphone. The dimensions were optimized for devices ranging from 5.7 to 6.9 inches, striking a careful balance between usability and comfort. The board fits naturally within the average palm and does not interfere with typical phone operation.While all other components were designed to be as thin as possible, the overall thickness remains slightly above that of standard accessories due to mechanical limitations. Specifically, the height was determined by the depth required for standard DuPont jumper wire connections and the internal copper V-clamp structure. This dimension ensures stable electrical contact, reliable magnetic attachment, and physical durability—making it the most practical compromise between functionality, compactness, and structural integrity.
Looking ahead, one of my key goals is to complete and refine the API-to-software integration to allow seamless, real-time communication between the hardware and mobile app. This would enable live debugging, automated code suggestion, and interactive sensor data visualization directly within the app.I also envision building a low-code interface that allows users to switch between visual and text-based programming dynamically, supported by cloud-sync features and AI-powered code explanations. Eventually, Commi Board could support third-party module extensions and open APIs, allowing the community to expand its capabilities—turning it into a truly scalable and collaborative educational ecosystem.
The cloud-based project loading system allows users to access, share, and resume projects from any device, removing the need for complex local setups. For students, it means they can continue learning and prototyping across different environments—home, school, or on the go.For educators, it enables easy distribution of example projects, assignments, or collaborative challenges. This fosters a more interactive, inclusive learning environment and encourages knowledge-sharing, making electronics education more connected and accessible for all.
Usability testing revealed that many beginners struggled with traditional breadboards and complex wiring. This insight led me to adopt a modular, magnetic layout that simplifies component placement. Test participants also found value in visual programming, prompting the inclusion of both puzzle-style and Scratch-like interfaces.Another key insight was the preference for mobile-based interaction over desktop tools, which reinforced the decision to build around smartphones. These findings directly shaped Commi Board’s accessible form, intuitive app, and staged learning roadmap.
My advice is to always start with the user—not the technology. Talk to real learners, observe their struggles, and design from their perspective. Simplicity doesn’t mean reducing capability; it means removing friction. Expand on clarity, adaptability, and how the learning process feels, not just how it functions.Also, design what’s closest to you. Commi Board was born from my daily frustration using breadboards. The idea started with a simple question: “Why not just add a MCU to the breadboard itself?” Sometimes the best innovations come from rethinking the tools you already use.
Dive into a world of design excellence with our curated highlights. Each feature showcases outstanding creativity, innovation, and impact from the design world. Discover inspiration and learn more about these incredible achievements.
