Grad Celebration Cap

I made an interactive grad cap for my integration assignment to celebrate my graduation in computer science. I am the first woman in my family to graduate from post-secondary, so I wanted something joyful and meaningful. The cap uses my original high school grad cap, has lights, sound, confetti beads, and a tassel input that even triggers a rick roll (A nod to an inside joke in this class). Inside sits a 3D-printed and soldered Dino inspired by my university’s mascot and German PhD hats (DOKTORHUT) to hold special mementos. It’s a fun reminder of my journey, the people and moments that shaped it, and the joy of reaching this milestone.

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Why?

I got the idea to include the confetti in a container instead of launching it after advice from Prof. Lora (it may not be joyful to have confetti everywhere messy and also annoying to do it again and again). While in Costco I saw some beautiful decorations which had automatic snow globes in them. I searched how I could do this and found YouTube ideas that used fans to blow glitter or foam and decide it would be a perfect way to include confetti in a non messy and continuously usable way.

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How?

1. The sound sensor controls the lights flashing between green and red when the threshold is reached. This works great with music and also conversations as the lights dance to the beat

2. Attach the tassel and prepare for a surprise song (I have it set to rick roll).

3. Additionally set it on the table and attach the tassel to see a beautiful surprise of dancing beads after being Rick Rolled which makes for a perfect keepsake and display item reminding you of your joyous graduation.