Sail Away

Catching Up

So I slacked a bit in the posting department over the summer but here we go again with another year (my last year in fact) and I hope for this one to be a bit different and over the top. I would like to start off the school year by posting a few projects from last semester as well as some new photos from a couple great photography opportunities I've had. Enjoy.

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.

Day One

So here it goes, day one. I have had a friend for a few years now and he above anyone else I know spends the most time on a computer. And this made me wonder. How could he possibly do it? I would do my daily sign on to Facebook and my Gmail account and maybe check the shirt on Woot or look for any good deals happening at Crutchfield but that was the bulk of my computer experience as far as daily usage. Then I switched my major; went from accounting and economics to 3D Animation, Music Recording, Film capture and editing, and the newest addition: Photoshop. It all of sudden went from a yearning to spend more time on my Mac to having a plethora of projects and ideas that I can't seem to find enough time to sit and finish. Hopefully I will soon have a better grasp of all these new and exciting programs which I hope will translate into speedier completion times and better posts to view, for you, my reader. I must be going now so have a good day and remember, Don't Try, Just Do.