Patternflow is not a single, rigid kit. It is a modular system divided into two core parts:
- Enclosure — Choose how you house the device (3D printed, etc.).
- Electronics — Choose how you wire the hardware (Custom PCB, etc.).
Once you build these two components, you simply flash the firmware to bring your Patternflow to life.
| Enclosure | Electronics | Firmware | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3D printed enclosure | Custom PCB, hand-soldered | Arduino IDE / Custom patterns | Supported now |
This is the same path as the original build guide: PLA parts printed on a Bambu P1S or similar FDM printer, a hand-soldered Patternflow PCB, and firmware compiled/uploaded via Arduino IDE to support custom generative patterns.
| Enclosure | Electronics | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 3D printed enclosure | Custom PCB | Supported now |
| Laser-cut enclosure | Custom PCB | Preparing |
| 3D printed enclosure | Breadboard / jumper-wire electronics | Preparing |
| Laser-cut enclosure | Breadboard / jumper-wire electronics | Preparing |
The preparing paths are meant to make Patternflow easier and cheaper to start. A breadboard build is not only a temporary prototype. If that form is enough for you, it is a valid Patternflow build. If you want a more polished object later, you can move to the PCB and enclosure paths.
The custom PCB path is stable. PCBA may become a later electronics path for people who want the same PCB with less hand assembly.
To bring your Patternflow hardware to life, you will compile and upload the firmware using the Arduino IDE. This setup allows you to create and run your own generative patterns using AI coding assistants.
- Create Custom Patterns (Recommended) — Use our interactive web Live Editor and an AI assistant (Claude, ChatGPT, etc.) to generate, preview, and install your own visual patterns using the Arduino IDE.
The full original walkthrough still lives at BUILD_GUIDE.md. It currently documents the supported PCB + 3D print path in detail.