suggestions for a suit project

Patience is one thing i do have. Thankfully that will not hurt me too bad. I figure ill start with the simple stuff first. Making the whole thing come on and turn off.. i figure my first big task will be a slow fade on and off.. From there if i can learn how to make it do tricks then it will be even better. I know where i would like to end up and its pretty advanced. If i can make it that far i would be suprised. Another question that i have is about some terminology. What is a "shield" when they reference like a touch screen display and so fourth?