Tom Igoe Lecture

I had the opportunity to attend a lecture by ITP professor Tom Igoe, a specialist in Physical Computing. Professor Igoe brought up a lot of new and innovative ways to connect the physical world in which we live to the digital world that we have built up all around us.

In his lecture, Professor Igoe discussed a few key points to the progress and ability to publicize physical computing. His first point is that the physicality of the design of a new device is very important; that the behavior of the device correlates to its fundamental structure and design. In this he states that the designer needs to understand not only what the device will do but also how it will perform its tasks. Secondly he talked about conviviality. The basic idea that all modern digital devices talk to other devices; this talking or communication could be via bluetooth, wireless Internet or a direct connection. It is the designer's job to choose the right methods of communication to compliment its construction and behaviors.

After many examples of his students' work the lecture began to focus on the idea of openness. Professor Igoe spoke highly about their own ways to promote openness stating that the design plans for all of their projects are easily accessible to those who wish to become involved. He feels that instead of designers protecting and hiding the designs of their hardware and physical construction of devices they should be open with these plans and overall this will help drive innovation, new ideas and move closer to connecting the physical and digital worlds.

I saw Professor Igoe's lecture as beneficial and a helpful look at the possibilities to create art and useful devices combining ordinary household items with the brain power of computer chips. If you ever have an opportunity I suggest you attend or do a little research of your own on these great new ideas in Physical Computing.