Dizygotic
figure
posted on 2015-10-08, 00:00 authored by James NovakDizygotic
History
Location
Crane Arts LLCStart date
2015-10-08End date
2015-10-16Language
engNotes
Dizygotic is the scientific term for non-identical, or fraternal, twins. In this piece two different people must work together to both understand, and then customise, a 3D digital computer-aided design (CAD) model, exploring the extents to which they can manipulate the data in real-time and work towards a mutually acceptable end product. Similar to fraternal twins, a collaborative bond is built between two seemingly different individuals during this time, with both spoken and non-spoken modes of communication critical to the creative process. This is representative of the highly collaborative nature of design and complex systems needed to communicate a variety of information types between all stakeholders, often in various locations around the globe with different languages and cultural beliefs. While the interactive ‘Dizygotic’ piece lets the users stand side-by-side, they could just as easily work together remotely from anywhere in the world, resulting in unique outcomes that would not occur from an individual alone. What at first seems like a game actually challenges the role of designers like Industrial Designers or Architects, who have typically trained for many years in order to learn how to create and control CAD models of functional products. Through the use of advanced parametric and algorithmic tools, the design of any product, in this case a simple light shade, can be given controls that allow infinite customisation by un-trained consumers, yet within the bounds of what is deemed ‘safe’ to be reproduced through 3D printing or other computer-numerically controlled (CNC) technologies. By taking advantage of such technologies, ‘Dizygotic’ transitions from the digital world to the physical world in a matter of hours, challenging the traditional model of mass-production which has controlled our physical world since the industrial revolution. Ultimately the products of tomorrow require the tools of tomorrow, and ‘Dizygotic’ symbolises the changing design and collaborative tools which empower consumers.Research statement
With the rapid spread of technologies like 3D printing, new tools are required to allow untrained people to engage with the technology in new ways, such as through game-like experiences, rather than requiring the years of professional training typically required by designers to master such design tools. ‘Dizygotic’ is an interactive work that questions how well people are able to engage with a Computer-Aided Design (CAD) model through non traditional means and no instruction. ‘Dizygotic’ demonstrates how advanced parametric and algorithmic tools can be used for the design of any product, in this case a 3D printable light shade, and can empower non-designers by using easily understood game controllers to customise virtual CAD models rather than traditional computer-based tools, in this case featuring Wii Nunchuck controllers. Of particular interest is the capacity for two people to work collaboratively on the same design, with two game controllers used like a two-player game, just as two designers may work together on a project. The final designs are 3D printable and always unique, with six different versions displayed as part of the exhibition. This work was selected by the curator for exhibition in Philadelphia, as a part of the larger ‘Design Philadelphia’ annual event, attracting a large international audience. The exhibition venue is listed as one of the major locations, hosting multiple exhibitions and events for Design Philadelphia and therefore the work was able to engage a very large audience over 8 days.Publication classification
J1 Major original creative worksExtent
6 x 3D prints 1 Arduino micro controller 2 Wii nunchuk’s, Arduino micro-controller 1 Laptop 1 Computer monitorEvent
Exchange, Design PhiladelphiaPublisher
Griffith Centre for Creative Arts ResearchPlace of publication
Philadelphia, Pa.Usage metrics
Categories
No categories selectedLicence
Exports
RefWorks
BibTeX
Ref. manager
Endnote
DataCite
NLM
DC