Introduction
This website contains workshops for Computation in Design class created by cohorts of Design Communication. Using beginner level coding to convert what we see on the computer to things we can touch. Starting with coding, screen, play, and making workshops gives us the opportunity to experience new things with a new medium. In the process throughout this semester, we are exposed to new softwares and tools, such as, p5.js, blender, and arduino. This website wants to compile all the works that have been done through photos and videos as the documentation throughout the process.
Workshops 1–4
Over the semester I participated in 4 different workshops covering topics such as Creative Coding, Projection Mapping, Making, and Physical Computing. Here you will find some of the process documentation and deliverables that were created in small teams of up to 3 people or individually.
1 Coding
Axidraw.
Coding activity required us to use new tools called th axidraw which is a pen plotter machine that is capable of drawing or writing for any flat surface. In this workshop, we need to create the design in p5.js based on code, which could be simple or complicated. Then, we use axidraw to create a drawing on paper with the idea that we prepared. This machine can create neat drawings that cannot be achieved by humans easily. In only a little time, axidraw can create precise designs like what is in the design. We did this as a group of 3 and showed the idea of a blooming flower. We also decided to create an anaglyph effect by using both blue and red ink in one paper to create a three dimensional effect.
2 Screens
Bouncy Balls
In this workshop, we learn about projection of a design to objects that are not flat like walls, but rather complicated 3D objects. It was quite interesting to know how the light can fill up the 3D spaces projecting design using perspective. My group decided to create bouncy sphere shapes inside and aquarium based on the 3 different shapes, pyramid, pentagon, and cube. In the process, we need to calibrate the 2D image to fit one side of the shapes. We use different shapes of size of the sphere and time when they bounce.
3 Making
The Eden’s Gem
Making or Code to thing workshop is a workshop where a 3D based picture from code needs to be transferred to a real life object. This is done by creating a 2D template in blender, printing it, and starting making. The Eden’s Gem is an idea of an irregular tree from the futuristic period of time. The elegant shapes are so pleasing to eyes that it creates harmony like the Garden Eden. Breaking the stereotype of normal tree shape we see in daily lives is the purpose of this idea. Eden’s Gem can be seen through a 360° angle with different shapes and shades.
4 Play
Physical Computing
This workshop is the most different from the other because we use a tool called arduino to transfer the code into real life effects. This workshop related simple electricity using a battery, led light, and copper plate. Arduino is a microcontroller board that can translate commands from code to be applicable in the real world. The purpose is for adding motion effects in real life like the vibration and dimmer. Magic mushroom or known as narcotic and its effect is our main idea where it is represented by the mushroom forest and the effect that is given by the arduino.
Process
For the entire semester, I learned a lot about code and things. Some of the workshops even answer my question that I have been asking for a long time. The different approach for each design workshop enrich my knowledge and experience and encourages me to explore more. I am happy that I could participate in these workshops with mostly group learning. To be honest, I feel like I could work more maximally as an individual rather than doing it in groups. We as a group faced some difficulties and errors, but we need to learn from mistakes in order to be successful.
If plan A doesn't work there are 25 other letters in the alphabet
Claire Cook
Conclusion
This semester was so fun and chill, yet it gave me a lot of new experiences and things started from the code, simple installation, projection, and making. The enjoyable part of this semester was thinking up new ideas with groups of friends and implementing it in our works. I also learned teamwork and how to work with a team, ALso the showcase really helps to inspire a lot of people.
Because I like to do things by hand, some of these workshops really give me fun, for example, making and play. My most favorite workshop is play because I am able to experience new ways of applying code to real life which I have never seen before. It was so amazing to be able to do that, though it's still simple. I hope that I can gain more knowledge and do more in the future.
