Commi Board

Prototyping Tool for Royal College of Art

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.

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Download Press Kit № 170975 Prototyping Tool for Royal College of Art by Kevin Yang to access high-res images, essential texts, translations, and exclusive interviews—all in one.

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Commi Board by Kevin Yang

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Prototyping Tool by Kevin Yang

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Kevin Yang Commi Board

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Kevin Yang Prototyping Tool

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Royal College of ArtBrand Logo

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Unique Properties

Commi board is a modular, app-integrated prototyping platform that connects electronic knowledge with practical implementation. Unlike traditional tools, it allows users to simulate microcontroller functions directly on their smartphone, making prototyping more accessible, interactive, and efficient. With real-time circuit testing, AI-driven coding, and a structured, step-by-step educational experience, commi board supports users of all skill levels to prototype faster, experiment freely, and bring ideas to life with ease.

Tags

Education tools, Prototyping, Breadboard, Neuro-linguistic programming

Production Technology

Commi Board contains PCB design, IoT frameworks, and USB-C 3.2, BLE, and Bluetooth protocols all for efficient GPIO communication with smart devices. By utilizing mobile-based computational power, it can simulates most microcontrollers. It supports four programming methods: AI-driven NLP, puzzle-like visual programming, Scratch-like visual programming, and a full IDE. The app features a project community, online libraries for components, and cloud-based project loading, ensuring high performance and accessibility.

Design Challenge

The biggest challenge in developing Commi Board was simplifying PCB design while ensuring reliable GPIO communication. Creating a compact, modular PCB integrating USB-C, BLE, and Bluetooth from scratch required multiple iterations. Limited access to PCB SMT also posed obstacles. The first theoretical prototype revealed instability and contain issues. While Bluetooth and USB-C connections were tested, the API-to-software integration remains in the mock-up stage, guiding future development.

Project Duration

The project started in June 2024 as a student project at Royal College of Art, London, UK.

Operation Flow

Commi Board simplifies electronics prototyping by allowing users to design, test, and run circuits directly on the back of their smartphone. Users place components on the board, connect via USB-C or Bluetooth, and interact through the mobile app. They can program using AI-assisted coding, visual blocks, or a full IDE. Real-time feedback and visual placement guide to help each step. With cloud storage and a project-sharing community, Commi Board learns and loads projects with ease.

Research

Commi Board's research focused on human-centered design and accessibility in electronics prototyping. The goal was to create a mobile-first tool that simplifies PCB schematics and testing. Through BOM list comparison and my cohort’s need for easier prototyping, we found GPIO communication to be a cost-effective alternative to high-power microcontrollers. Usability tests and expert feedback shaped development, while open-source resources enabled the first theoretical PCB prototype. Results combined the needs for AI-assisted prototyping, electronic education, and DIY prototyping.

Inspiration

Commi Board was designed by the need to make electronics prototyping more accessible and interactive. Inspired visual programming, staged education, and AI-based neuro-linguistic programming, it simplifies theoretical learning with real-world application. As mobile devices are the most accessible platform for coding, Commi Board enhances prototyping by allowing users to test circuits and validate code in real-time on their phone, ensuring a hands-on, customizable experience for all skill levels.

Project Overview

Commi Board Prototyping Tool has been a Iron winner in the Education, Teaching Aid and Training Content Design award category in the year 2024 organized by the prestigious A' Design Award & Competition. The Iron A' Design Award is awarded to good designs that meet the rigorous professional and industrial standards set by the A' Design Awards. This recognition is reserved for works that demonstrate a solid understanding of design principles and show creativity within their execution. Recipients of the Iron A' Design Award are acknowledged for their practical innovations and contributions to their respective fields, providing solutions that improve quality of life and foster positive change. These designs are a testament to the skill and dedication of their creators, showcasing their ability to address real-world challenges through thoughtful design.

Image Credits

For design images and photos please credit Kevin Yang.

Iron Recognition

Kevin Yang was recognized with the coveted Iron A' Design Award in 2025, a testament to excellence of their work Commi Board Prototyping Tool.

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