Exercises and Etudes – Introduction to Physical Computing

Exercise 2: Physical Computing as Foundation

J Eric Townsend — Wed, 06 Sep 2017 02:09:01 +0000

First review the slides related to reaction and interaction. (Slight correction: light switches can be interactive if they have the context of entertainment.)

Find and analyze an example of physical computing with a goal that is artistic or design based, less than a page and with links to the original. It should only take 30-60min. Youtube is a great place to start, so are NYU ITP and IDeATe. Due noon 7 September so I have time to review them before class.

If a project is an exercise or etude for class it doesn’t qualify for this exercise. What you’re looking for has to do something with interaction, preferably vaguely interesting, even if it’s just playing/entertainment. Sandnoisedevice meets plenty of engineering requirements but it doesn’t hold long term interest as it’s more about the technology than the interaction experience or functionality. If I could add something to this, it would a game where you generate music, something like Rez. Or perhaps add a second device and use the two as consoles in a music competition game like DDR.

A sample format:

basic description, elaborate on a title or use
what is it supposed to do?
how does it do this?
does it work?
how would you change it?

Exercise 0: Does it work?

J Eric Townsend — Fri, 01 Sep 2017 02:08:08 +0000

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Exercise 1: Artist’s Statement

J Eric Townsend — Fri, 01 Sep 2017 01:30:51 +0000

Due Midnight, Monday, 4 September 2017. Submit your statement as a response to this post. If you can’t submit a response, email me your statement at jtownsen@andrew and let me know you are having problems with the blog.

Work with your partner(s) to write a three or four paragraph artist’s statement about you, what you like, and what you’ve done. Include your experience with electronics projects, art projects, or activities outside your major that reflect who you are as a person.

Golan Levin and Hiroshi Ishii have good summaries of complex, massive careers.

A good guide to writing statements.

Here’s a one-paragraph statement I use on my resume:

“I am a designer, maker, and arts-engineer, with a professional interest in using, designing and evangelizing new tools for creativity. I have more than 20 years’ experience developing projects with DIY technologies and other arts-engineering workflows, including software development, electronics design, computer-aided design, and digital fabrication. For the past eight years, I have directed a small consultancy in Pittsburgh, Functional Prototype, which creates proof-of-concept models, working prototypes, and customized physical interaction devices. My personal and professional projects range from industrial design products and open-source software to art-cars and music performance. I run a clean, well-organized studio; I have a very healthy respect for safety; and I love to empower people by teaching them how to create their own circuits, software, clothing, and costuming accessories.”