![[OLD FALL 2018] 15-104 • Introduction to Computing for Creative Practice](https://courses.ideate.cmu.edu/15-104/f2018/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/stop-banner.png)
One of the projects being completed by the Mediated Matter group at MIT involves converting data sets into physical, 3-dimensional forms. This allows a person to utilize both visual and spatial perception skills to better understand the data being represented. Data visualization can be both interesting and informative in 2D, but bringing it to life via a new type of 3D printing is impressive and possibly a big leap forward for academics.
The special “algorithm” here is not as much digital as it is physical – the printing process involves different materials that are printed in “expected” places. This means that the physical manifestations of the data can have high accuracy of detail, especially in the color. This data-centered focus is important in that it makes us think about data in unique ways, something that I addressed in my last looking outwards post as both forward-thinking and effective.