SmartCardX - An Interactive Business card

In an increasingly digital world, the classic paper business card feels static and outdated. This project reimagines the business card as a multi-functional, interactive, and programmable smart card, leveraging the power of the Seeed Studio Xiao ESP32-C6 and various onboard modules. It’s more than just a contact card—it’s a mini device that shows your skills, interacts with the environment, and stands out from the crowd.

Whether you're an embedded developer, electronics hobbyist, or tech-savvy designer, this card serves three primary purposes:

• Digital Identity: Share your contact via NFC or QR Code.
• Entertainment & Demos: Play games like Snake and Ping Pong or simulate physical interactions using the IMU.
• Connectivity: Fetch real-time data like weather and time over Wi-Fi, directly displayed on a vibrant 17x9 LED matrix.

FEATURES

• 17x9 WS2812B NeoPixel LED Matrix - Displays text, animations, games, and real-time data. Custom graphics like emojis, bouncing balls, hourglass, and more.
• NFC Tag - Share vCard/contact info or open a URL via tap.
• QR Code - Printed or laser-etched static code that links to your portfolio or resume.
• 5-Button Navigation - Up, Down, Left, Right, and Center buttons for interacting with menu and games.
• MPU6050 Accelerometer + Gyro (IMU) - Detects tilt and motion for games, hourglass simulation, and fluid animations.
• Interactive Menu UI - Scrollable menu using buttons with animated transitions and function selection.
• Weather & Time Display - Wi-Fi enabled time sync and weather fetching via open APIs.

Circuit Design / Assembly

The card is built on a custom-designed 85x55 mmPCB with the following layout:

• Front side hosts the NeoPixel matrix, NFC tag, buttons, and QR code.
• Back side includes the Xiao ESP32-C6 module, MPU6050 and ST25DV16KC NFC chip.
• Buttons are pulled down with internal resistors, and matrix is powered via 5V rail regulated onboard.
• IMU is connected via I²C.
• The LED matrix data line is connected to GPIO 0.

How to Program It

Install Arduino IDE

• Install the latest Arduino IDE.
• Add this link to the Preferences option.

https://espressif.github.io/arduino-esp32/package_esp32_dev_index.json

• Add ESP32 C6 board support from the Boards Manager.

Select Board

Go to Tools > Board > Xiao ESP32-C6

Libraries Required

Install below required libraries from library manager

• Adafruit_NeoPixel
• Adafruit_NeoMatrix
• Adafruit_GFX
• Wire.h
• Adafruit_MPU6050
• WiFi.h

APIs (Optional)

• Use open APIs like OpenWeatherMap to fetch weather.
• NTP for time sync.

Download the code from Github and customize your own smart interactive business card. Have Fun! Cheers!!

Conclusion

This interactive business card project brings together creativity, electronics, and practicality in one sleek, credit-card-sized package. Whether you’re networking at events, showcasing your portfolio, or simply enjoying coding challenges like games and motion animations — this card is a perfect blend of tech + creativity.