PROJECT ONE:
DREAM SWITCH V2
In gaining lucidity, one should go a step further beyond just asking, "Is this a dream?". What is necessary is some type of test to determine whether the reality perceived is truly waking life or an actual dream. Identifying out of the ordinary aspects of our dreams or common 'dream signs' is one of the best ways to do this.
While dreaming, we of course want to believe that the experience is real and thus we are more accepting of irrational or even impossible occurances. Using some type of reality testing reveals solid proof about the nature of our experience. Performing more than one type of test at a time is also very helpful.
A few simple reality tests are:
1.) The Clock Check: This very effective check involves reading the time on a digital clock. After reading the time, one then looks away and then looks back again, acknowledging the time again. In a dream, the numbers will be completely different or completely unrecognizable. This is an available feature of the Dream Switch.
3.) The Levitation Check: A simple attempt at flying should instantly reveal the nature of one's experience. Unfortunately, it is possible to make an unsucessful attempt at flying yet still be in the dream state. This is usually a reliable test, however.
4.) The Light Switch Check: This check, most closely associated with The Dream Switch, involves finding a light switch for a room and turning it on and off several times. In a dream, this action should produce unreliable results as lights do not respond well to switches in dreams.
For more tips and tricks on lucid dreams, click here.
Our second assignment for the semester in Dreams and Delerium raised the bar in terms of quality of output. As mentioned during my presentation at Make-a-Thon, I had every intention of taking the Dream Switch project to the next level.
Following my 'improvements' list as a guide, I set out to construct a functioning Dream Switch that not only looked and felt better, but incorporated new design elements allowing for the use of a digital watch attachement.
After a good amount of component shopping, a few hours of construction and a final spray paint gloss for appearance, The Dream Switch had reached completion.
THE DREAM SWITCH v2
FEATURES & IMPROVEMENTS:
Combines Induction Devices & Reality Testing
Light Switch
Digital Watch
Advantageous angle
Affordable and efficient
It Works!
The design remained simple, component-based and included a glossy coat of pink spray paint for novelty. The main parts this time around were a small power switch, a blinking red light who's node I attached to the battery compartment, a small light bulb with holster seat and of course the pink spray paint.
This model is fully functional and is a definitive answer to the investigative trials from the alpha version.
