This course challenges students to develop their own "non-linear design process" through combining programming, 3D modeling and digital fabrication technology toward the making of an everyday data object. Some examples of everyday data objects include an ashtray whose shape is derived from lung-cancer statistics, a drinking glass whose profile is based upon the rate of the world’s clean water depletion, and a lipstick case sculpted to show the growing number of women in parliament. The first half of the semester, students developed the project conceptual framework through hand sketching, creative writing, building 3D data visualizations in Processing, modeling everyday objects in Rhino and material testing on the Objet Connex500 polymer-based 3D printer and the ZPrinter 650 composite powder 3D printer. The second half, students experimented with Rhino.Python and Rhino Paneling as tools for geometric sculpting and Maxwell Rendering for creating 3D representations, in addition to refining their developed design workflow relation to their original concept. At the final review, each group will present their 3D printed everyday data object and an accompanying video describing the narrative of their non-linear design process.

Audience
Architects and Non-Architects.