We decided to build the fist proof-of-concept with an Arduino Uno we had at hand, a LCD to show the characters and words as well as 4 keys – the most simple setup possible. The next step would be to use the joystick instead. If everything works as intended, we move to an Arduino Leonardo (had the Uno lying around, not the Leonardo) to simulate keystrokes to a Computer.

The colors correspond to movents for choosing a character, confirming or changing the text:

• yellow: up (like the sun in the sky
• blue:    down (like waterlevel)
• green:  confirm, move to next character
• red:      error, correct, move back

This is done, so little kids can easy orient themselves with the colors if needed...

In the pictures you can see the proof of concept - we can detect the keystrokes without any contact bounces and display the characters...

Here Elias is typing his name...