Introduction
In my quest to become a graphic designer who represents the convergence of technology and crafts, I aim to create an enthralling story that will be loved, shared between people, and desired by everyone. I value the aesthetic of traditional craftsmanships found in our lives, in any matters.
To illustrate and deliver uniqueness and positivity, to investigate and evaluate the oddly satisfying combination of intricate details and imperfection is what I strive for.
Great seeing you here! My name is Sena and I’m currently studying in BA design communication.
Workshops 1–4
Over the semester I participated in 4 different workshops covering topics such as Creative Coding, Projection Mapping, Making, and Physical Computing. Here you will find some of the process documentation and deliverables that were created in small teams of up to 3 people or individually.
1 Coding
Model Viewer
During week 2 and 3, Andreas introduced some various applications of creative coding and generative design. Based on the knowledge in semester 1, this exercise could either be a continuation of previous learnings or the extension of the design outcomes and progress that has been practised.
Imagining a scenario of living in an AR future, our team have developed an abstract graphic visual, a digitalised depiction of elements in nature. Using a 3D software Blender, we were able to explore and successfully display the superimposed 3D content through AR. To overlay the graphic through our phone, we settled up a local web server and then made a website exclusively for our model.
Throughout this process, I have obtained different ways of utilizing the program and whether the results are good or bad, I tried to finish the object rendering as neatly as possible. It was a stressful journey, but it was worth a try.
2 Screens
Projection Mapping
In groups of 2-3, we had to present an idea and design graphic visuals that can be projected on the screen. The objective of this project is to deliver a story that can be interpreted through the visuals.
As a designer and a maker, we wanted to narrate a story that can relate to individuals personally. We planned to produce a video compilation as the video symbolises our brain. Dividing into three parts, the left section represents the logical side of the brain, the right section represents the emotional side of the brain and the middle represents the confluence of both sides. To depict each section, we used our coded graphics for the left and home videos which evokes reminiscence on the right.
3 Making
From Code to Thing
During week 5 and 6, Dhiya presented a new project based on visualising codes and guided us to construct a three-dimensional polygonal structure.This project requires direct skills from each field - P5js and craft.
Terra , is a visual transformation of analytical data into a three-dimensional object. “Terra”, meaning "Earth" in Latin, introduces a deeper exploration of what we are capable of producing both in virtual and real worlds. The 3D paper structure was built based on the topographic data of each administrative city in South Korea, narrowed down to the final three digits to customize the code. Through the collaboration of coding and crafts, this construction process evokes an artistic way of expressing an abstract visualisation.
As a craft lover myself, it was very interesting to learn how technology and making could depict such abstract concepts of art and design. A collaboration between these skill sets could be applied to different disciplines, which helps us to expand our abilities to control and utilise the tools we have.
4 Play
Physical Computing
This week, we are back with Andreas with a new agenda, physical computing. This project is divided into two parts: physical computation using circuit boards and Arduino. Each week we were provided with different circuits and as a group we had to to explore the paper model by using the code and the kit.
Our group decided to explore on two different ideas : origami lamp and a thunder cloud. For the first week, we have created a circuit ball and wrap the crumpled texture paper to depict the cloud. To extend our cloud paper model from last week, we planned to elaborate the light sensor in the kit and make the bulbs flicker to depict the thunderstorm cloud. To set up our circuit kit, we drew a digital sketch to position each component on the provided board.
It was interesting how the codes were actually utilised to guide and order instructions to operate a physical device. I am looking forward to further exploring with physical computation, incorporating interactive features such as sound.
Process
Every project can be a challenge, whether if you conduct individually or as a group. Working as a team can be challenging, but it can also maximise creativity to an extent. During the projection mapping and papertronics project, it was delightful to work with Shalom and Na Yeon, where we always respect each other when suggesting ideas or commenting on each other. Collaboration is one of the most important factors designers must consider.
“Those who can imagine anything, can create the impossible.”
by Alan Turing
Conclusion
What have I learned over the course of this semester?Throughout the course of semester 2, I have learned that anyone can ideate, create and success. Despite my complete novice status in software or computational design, learning from the BA CiD teaching team has given me the opportunity to educate myself with various computation projects. Throughout the painstaking process of learning technological skills, being able to adapt and learn these softwares lead me to improve and optimise my potential as a designer.
Some of my most interesting findings this semester are: During the course of the CiD module, projection mapping was one of the most interesting projects I have done so far. I like how this project can be expandable for various purposes, especially incorporating natural landscapes and surfaces. Also, observing various results from different classes was also intriguing.
What are some of my achievements? One of the memorable achievements I performed this semester was learning Blender from scratch. In addition, seeing my work displayed during the open studio definitely motivates me to explore and evaluate beyond my comfort zone.
