For my final project, I designed and built a portable cyberdeck, a compact computing device inspired by the cyberpunk aesthetic. Cyberpunk emphasizes a “low-life, high-tech” style, combining futuristic technology with rugged, improvised design. To capture this, I focused on three key elements: exposed components, industrial construction, and a hacked construction.
The core of the device is a Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W running RetroPie, allowing it to emulate classic games. I paired this with a small display and began developing a custom enclosure. Initially, I explored using a toolbox, but ultimately shifted to a smaller, more practical housing that better matched the scale of the screen.
Throughout the process, I encountered several technical challenges, particularly with hardware compatibility. These included issues with HDMI audio output limitations, Bluetooth connectivity, and fitting components within the enclosure. I adapted by modifying parts and simplifying certain features when necessary.
While I originally planned to incorporate LED lighting to emphasize the neon aspect of cyberpunk, time constraints and technical difficulties prevented full implementation. Instead, I reinforced the aesthetic through a rugged, industrial shell, exposed wiring, a hacked construction with a painted finish designed to look worn and assembled from spare parts.
Despite the setbacks, the final product successfully communicates the cyberpunk aesthetic through its construction and visual design. This project challenged me to work with electronics for the first time, problem-solve under pressure, and translating a visual style into a functional physical object.
