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Project Overview
The Matrix Game Board is an original engineering project by Dorian Todd, focused on designing and building an interactive Tic-Tac-Toe game. The project's innovation lies in using nine separate 8x8 LED matrix displays to serve as both the visual game board and the player input mechanism.
Developed as a technical challenge, this project documents the entire engineering process, from initial research and CAD design through manufacturing, complex wiring, assembly, and testing. It highlights a unique approach of using the LED matrices themselves as pressure-sensitive buttons, activated by underlying mechanical switches, all housed within a compact and portable form factor.
This page serves as a showcase of the project's creation process, technical details, and final outcome.
Key Features
Interactive LED Display: Utilizes nine 8x8 LED matrix modules (HT16K33) to display the Tic-Tac-Toe game state, animations, and player symbols.
Integrated Input: Each matrix display doubles as a pressure-sensitive button, using a low-profile mechanical keyboard switch mounted underneath for a unique and satisfying interaction.
Tactile & Audio Feedback: Mechanical switches provide a satisfying tactile click, while an integrated Piezo buzzer with volume control provides audio feedback for game events.
Compact Design: The entire assembly is designed to fit within a 6.5-inch cubed area, adhering to the original competition constraints.
Custom Enclosure: Features a 3D-printed base with integrated component mounts for clean assembly and a laser-cut wood top panel for a refined aesthetic.
Advanced Electronics: Incorporates an Adafruit Feather ESP32 V2 microcontroller, I2C multiplexing for the displays, and analog multiplexing for the switches to efficiently manage all components.
Battery Powered: Designed with support for a Lithium Polymer battery, making the device fully portable.
The Design & Manufacturing Process
The project followed a structured process from concept to a physical, working prototype.
Phase 1: Research & Concept
The project began as an entry for the SVMA Manufacturing Challenge. The core concept was to create a high-quality, interactive game board that went beyond simple electronics. Research focused on finding the right components to balance cost, functionality, and size constraints. Key decisions included:
Microcontroller: An Adafruit Feather ESP32 was chosen for its small form factor, performance, and built-in battery management.
Displays: 8x8 LED matrix modules with built-in HT16K33 drivers were selected to simplify the control of all nine displays.
Input: After initially considering simple tactile buttons, low-profile Kailh mechanical keyboard switches were chosen to provide a superior, premium-feeling tactile response
Final Project & Source Code
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