Dis-GO

Background

Workplaces can be painfully dull—fluorescent lights, clacking keyboards, and the occasional yawn. But sometimes, all it takes to recharge is a quick dance break. Dis-GO is here to turn that small break into a mini party. It is perfect for those long late-night shifts as it transforms any corner of your workspace into a burst of color and motion.

For those who are too shy to hang out at crowded clubs or public dance floors, Dis-GO brings the club to you. With its 8x8 LED panel, joystick control, and playful color themes, you can create a personalized light show. With a single click to switch color or image themes, a double-click to set the lights moving on their own automatically, and a 3-second hold to power the panel on or off, the disco party is always at your command.

Whether it’s spicing up a home gathering, breaking the ice at an office event, or simply lifting your mood after hours, Dis-GO makes sure the party follows you—no matter where you are.

Design

The initial design of this project consisted of an 8x8 WS2812B LED panel, a XIAO ESP32-S3 microprocessor, and an analog joystick, which is all held together by a breadboard.

Iteration 1 – First Working Prototype

Goal: Build a stable, functional version to test core features.

Joystick Mounting:

• Secured the joystick onto a wooden block to prevent movement during use.
• Provided stability and comfort for testing, but added significant bulk.

Wiring and Control:

• Connected all joystick digital and analog pins directly to the XIAO ESP32-S3 microprocessor.
• Wired the 8x8 WS2812B LED panel into the breadboard for power and signal distribution.

Portability

• Added a small rechargeable battery to power the device without needing to be plugged in.

Functionality:

• LEDs lit up brightly.
• Joystick successfully changed patterns and colors in real time.

Limitations:

• Wooden block was too bulky to fit in a pocket.
• Breadboard pins were loose, causing flickering LEDs and inconsistent joystick input.
• Not practical for a true pocket-sized disco set.

Iteration 2 – Compact, Wearable Redesign

Goal: Reduce size, improve durability, and make the device wearable.

Hardware Layout:

• Removed the breadboard and mounted all hardware (microcontroller, wiring, battery) behind the LED panel for a compact, self-contained form.

Joystick Redesign:

• Removed the wooden block and switched to a lighter, more flexible setup.
• Extended the joystick cable length so it could rest in a pocket during use.

Wearable Feature:

• Added a safety pin to the back of the LED panel, allowing it to clip to shirts, jackets, or bags.
• Enables the device to function as a wearable party accessory — perfect for walking around events, adding flair to gatherings, or serving as a playful, attention-grabbing piece.

Accessibility:

• Oriented the ESP32-S3’s USB-C port outward for easy battery charging or code updates without disassembly.

Result:

• More portable, stylish, and user-friendly.
• Transitioned from a tabletop prototype to a fully wearable mini light show.