I started to spend time building custom outfits for each festival. Logically I starting thinking that I might be able to create some products that are approachable for cosplayers and those who don't have a lot of electronics/programming experience.

One project was a jacket that I embedded several small 5mW laser emitters into. It was a hit with those around me, and I considered trying to sell complete jackets. The issue with something like that is that it requires a lot of effort, and carrying stock, and... ugh.

As time went on, I thought I should instead concentrate on empowering others to build their own projects, but make it as simple as possible. Originally the idea was to build a distribution board that would allow someone to plug in lasers and attach them to something. Plugs are expensive, wiring JST connectors is painful, and I didn't want to spend hours on stuff like that.

Additionally, if I'm going to spend the money having boards built, what is the incremental cost to add features?

I thought of what most users would/could want in a product:

• Add more lasers (a set of 8 on each shoulder like in my jacket)
• The potential for laser control with a micro-controller
• An option that requires zero soldering skills to assemble

I settled on basically building an I/O extender that can handle 5V and communicates over I2C. I utilized a JST SH connector to align with the Adafruit STEMMA QT standard (so you can buy components and almost make everything work without an ounce of solder).

The board runs in "smart" mode (I/O extender enabled), or dumb mode (powered straight off USB). Multiple boards can be chained together via the JST SH plugs regardless of mode.

I also built an enclosure that allows a user to easily attach a prebuilt version to clothing. Users can disassemble and remix the prebuilt version in multiple configurations.