Computation in Design

Coding is a workshop by Andreas Schlegel that looks at the creative application of code in the design process. This workshop takes a closer look at how code and simple 2D and 3D graphics can be used to create a series of generative imagery which can be static, dynamic or interactive.

Our objective for this workshop was to make a complex design using generative art, which we could transform into a clear message in physical form. We wanted to integrate digital coding and traditional drawing techniques in a manner that would enable them to complement each other, resulting in a unique way to convey our ideas.

Instead of using traditional paper, we pushed the boundaries of the brief and used transparency paper instead to create several layers in our art. Our theme was nature, and we thought about what an ecosystem would look like if it was made entirely out of code.

We divided it into three parts - earth, land, and sky. Each element was beautiful by itself, but when combined, they made a cohesive ecosystem. Our goal was to convert abstract visuals into the physical beauty of the natural world we observe every day.

Screens, a projection mapping workshop with Jo Ho. Screens is an introduction to the basic applications of projection mapping, learning how to project and map images onto non-rectangular surfaces using coded, static and moving images.

Our project depicts a world in a dystopian setting that encompasses themes of life and death. The visuals are projected onto a futuristic, unconventional structure, which appears to be gradually deteriorating in an abnormal manner. The decay spreads across the building, leading to a state of disorder and darkness, almost as if it is destroying the structure.

However, death and life are intertwined, and the visuals convey the concept of rebirth, signifying that the cycle of life continues. The artwork portrays a deeper meaning that suggests that even in a world devoid of humanity, life persists.

It highlights the idea that the world goes on, with or without us, and even in the presence of death, life prevails in some form or the other.

Play is a workshop by Jake Tan Zi Jie which looks at physical computing to interface between physical and digital spaces. This exercise aims to experiment with simple input and output mechanisms that utilise electronics. As we extend traditional design products into digital and virtual spaces, we also explore how design can be applied to physical applications that a user can interact with to create physical and tangible experiences. Through prepared materials and electronic components, students will design a simple physical interaction that demonstrates how a physical input triggers a digital output and vice versa.

Our project offers a playful twist on a beloved childhood game known as "hide and seek". We aimed to merge technology and play, providing a novel way to experience this classic game. Like the traditional version, we utilized flashlights to find our hidden monsters in the darkness. However, we incorporated an Arduino device connected to the flashlights and used a light sensor to reveal different monsters in illuminated areas. The objective was to locate as many monsters as possible, which added an element of fun and challenge to the game. This innovative approach exemplified the potential to combine digital technology with conventional ideas, bringing a new level of excitement to an age-old game.