Project One: Instrumented Tool with Transformed Feedback

The scope of the first project is to prototype a custom instrumented tool and create a user feedback system based on algorithmic transformations consistent with the fabrication process and design intent.  This will extend our notion of ‘input’ to include more intimate measurement of human intent, and the notion of ‘transformation’ and ‘output’ to be … [Read more…]

Exercise Three: Reverse Engineering

Description In teams of four students will create a high-fidelity, digital reconstruction of a found object (or fragment of an object). Object choice should be based upon observation of a compelling texture, geometry, or surface quality of the object. These observations should directly extend from the students’ previous observation and practice with hand-tools from Exercise One. Each … [Read more…]

Exercise Two: Work Station Setup

Description In teams of three, students will fabricate four table-top frames to mount electronic peripherals (e.g. digital projector, Microsoft Kinect, and external monitor) for real-time sensing and visual feedback. Throughout the semester, these workstations will provide a physical context to explore the possibilities of augmenting physical dexterity with digital tools for novel hybrid design and … [Read more…]

Exercise One: Tool Taxonomy

Description In pairs, students will be assigned a hand-tool related to a historically significant craft in the domain of ceramics, metal-work, or wood-work. Students will investigate their tool through physical experimentation, direct observation, and background research to develop intuition about hand-craft’s complex interplay between physical dexterity, material affordance, and tool geometry. Work will be conducted … [Read more…]