Pocket Portal Power Play: Wi-Fi Access Points with a Twist

You know that moment when you run out of data and are in desperate search of free public Wi-Fi? You scroll through the list of funny-sounding access points and finally find a fateful network that redirects you to their sign-in portal filled with ads, a data-mining form, or info on local offerings.

Well, what if you could create your own access point and web page?

In this workshop (adapted from Iffy Books' "Spread ideas with a pocket Wi-Fi portal" zine), you'll learn how to create a custom Wi-Fi access point and web server using the WEMOS D1 Mini board. The access point will appear as public Wi-Fi to surrounding devices, and when someone connects to the network, they'll see a custom web page that you created.

Pocket Portal Power Play leans into impermanence in a world that often sees digital decay and link rot as failure. The project asks: "What if our web pages weren’t designed to last forever? What if their presence was as temporary and as site-specific as a street performance, a message written in chalk, or a weathered poster?"

We'll also discuss how the pocket portal can be leveraged in unique ways for ephemeral interventions deeply connected to the here and now.

At the end of the workshop, you'll go home with a mini portable server which can broadcast web pages to nearby devices. It won't connect to Wi-Fi, but it will connect people to your ideas.

This workshop is presented as part of Vector Festival 2025. 

WORKSHOP REQUIREMENTS

Participants should bring a laptop computer with the latest version of the following software installed (all free and open source):

• Arduino IDE
• Arduino LittleFS Uploader plugin
• Source-code editor of your choice. Here are Candide's favourites:
  • VSCodium / Visual Studio Code: https://vscodium.com/
  • Notepad++: https://notepad-plus-plus.org/

All other workshop materials will be provided, courtesy of Vector Festival.

Please make sure to prepare and test out this setup well before the workshop. If you run into any issues with installing or using this software, contact education@interaccess.org for troubleshooting advice.

ABOUT THE FACILITATOR

Candide Uyanze is an award-winning creative technologist working at the intersections of digital media, access, storytelling, and open source software. Her creative practice explores memory, identity, and virtually-mediated human connections between people of African descent. She does so using web, video, photography, and tech-driven interactive installations.

Candide holds a Master's of Design (MDes) in Digital Futures from OCAD University, and has worked for several organizations in the arts, media, academic, and non-profit sectors.

You can connect with Candide at www.candide.xyz

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

MEMBER PRICING
InterAccess Annual Studio Members receive a 40% discount on all workshops. To activate Studio Member pricing, click "Use ticket access code" at checkout and enter your Member discount code.

EQUITY ACCESS PRICING
To reduce financial barriers, a pay-what-you-can (PWYC) discount is available for any community members that self-identify as part of an equity-seeking group, which includes (but is not limited to) disabled, Black, Indigenous, students, and newcomers. This discount is also available to those earning less than a living wage. To request an Equity Access code, please email education@interaccess.org.

ACCESSIBILITY INFORMATION
We are located on the second floor of the building, which is accessible by two flights of stairs or an elevator. The front entrance has an automatic push door and is accessible by ramp or a short flight of stairs. Inside, all InterAccess facilities are on the same level, including a single-user accessible washroom.

CANCELLATION AND RESCHEDULING POLICY
Please email education@interaccess.org to request a refund. We are unable to guarantee attendee cancellations or refunds less than 1 week prior to a workshop or event. InterAccess reserves the right to cancel or reschedule this workshop if necessary.