Jeffrey Feddersen

“A computer is a clock with benefits” writes Paul Ford in Bloomberg’s issue dedicated to code. Time, at once fundamental and mysterious, is of course a basic part of any time-based media, but uniquely more so for programmed media that can evolve as it runs. In this course, we’ll reflect on the deep mysteries of time while also building hands-on skills that will improve our command of temporal media and technologies. Specific topics will range from the marvelous engineering of historical clocks and orreries through modern computer architecture. We\’ll draw inspiration from a technological tradition stretching back at least 2000 years to the Antikythera Mechanism that includes humanity\’s earliest efforts to understand temporal patterns in nature. Practically, we’ll build mechanical and software clocks; experiment with time-series data and time protocols; and survey techniques for digital signal processing and software state transitions. Students will improve their skills in: – Extracting meaning from data in time-series sets, like sequential sensor readings in a physical computing project or a public API; – Creating experiences with a beginning, middle and end; a narrative arc; – Getting to the \”metal\” in microcontrollers and CPUs; – Integrating real-time clock modules and network time protocols with projects; – Using programmatic timelines and variable \’tweening\’ to add grace and sophistication to our creations Students will execute production assignments throughout the semester. Students should have taken or be taking physical computing, a programming course, or have equivalent experience. Prerequisite: ICM / ICM: Media (ITPG-GT 2233 / ITPG-GT 2048) & Intro to Phys. Comp. (ITPG-GT 2301)