CS 109 (Introduction to Computing)

Spring 2026

Assignment #1

Due by 1:00 pm on Wendesday, Feb 4, 2026

Design and create your own sketch using the Processing language/environment. Think of yourself as a creative designer when choosing the topic of your design. This is your very first program, so here are some guidelines:

• Make sure that it is at least 500 pixels by 500 pixels. The dimensions can vary depending upon your design, but make sure that it is not "small".
• Use each of the following drawing primitives at least once: line, rect, ellipse, quad, beginShape/endShape, arc, curve.
• Make liberal use of formatting commands, including: background, no/stroke, no/fill.
• Include proper source code header and adequate comments.
• Your program should call many built-in functions and create a design, as this is the point of this assignment.  A very "abstract" sketch like a simple circle in the center of the screen will not suffice (as aesthetic as it may seem).
• Examples of sketches submitted by students in previous offerings of the course are being displayed on the large screen at the end of the 2nd floor hallway of PSB (where your CS Lab is). Stop by, take a few minutes to look at them. Yours will be there soon!
• Here are some additional ideas:
  • A self-portrait
  • An avatar or a cartoon of someone
  • Your favorite cartoon TV Show character or design your own...
  • A city scape
  • Animal/object caricatures/study
  • A post card design
  • A fabric pattern
  • Stylize your name's initials...or a logo
  • The Bryn Mawr Owl
  • A Poster
  • Imitation of existing design or art
  • etc.
• Sign your work - put the course title (CS109 Spring 2026) and your name on the sketch. Use the text() function (read and learn how to use text() by using the Processing reference) and design your own signature. Make sure it's large enough to read when 1-2 feet away from the picture.

Requirements:

• Use each of specified primitives at least once.
• Use all drawing primitives correctly and effectively.
• Apply color and formatting correctly and effectively.
• Follow Code Formatting Standards and Assignment Submission Instructions.
• Be creative.

Refer to the Assignment Grading Policy for more details.

What to produce:

1. The program
2. A write-up with your name, course and assignment number and a paragraph about the sketch, its inspiration, and how you designed and implemented it. Include a brief discussion about your experience working on this assignment.
   
3. A gif/jpg/png image of your finished sketch (use the save() function).

What to Hand in:

1. Submit an electronic copy including the entire sketch folder, the screenshot and the writeup on Moodle. Follow the instructions given in the assignment submission instructions

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