GESTURAL DESIGN - HAND TRACKING FOR DIGITAL DRAWING

Computational design is increasingly interested in the active feedback between the user/designer and the digital space. Often, our initial instinct as designers comes from a gesture, a movement of the hands that gets translated into sketches and 3D models via the tools available to us. While the physical realm allows for muscle memory, tactile feedback, and creative output via movement, digital design often negates the body of the designer as it sequesters us into a screen-mouse-hand relationship. Moreover, current CAD software tools often reinforce this standardization, further limiting the potential of physical bodily gestures as a vehicle for architectural form-making. Seeking new opportunities for a gestural interface, this research explores how Machine Learning and parametric design tools can be used to translate active movements and gestural actions into rich and complex digital models without the need of specialized equipment. In this paper, we present an open-source and economically accessible methodology for designers to translate hand movements into the digital world, implementing the MediaPipe Hands tracking library. In developing this workflow, this research explores opportunities to create more direct, vital links between expressive gesture and architectural form, with an emphasis on creating platforms that are accessible not only to design experts, but also the broader public

A Model for Mapping Interactivity in Learning Experiences

This research is situated at the intersection of technology, education, and design. A design methodology was applied to examine the issues relating to interactivity within these disciplines. The result of this research is a working definition of interactivity aesthetics that can be used across multiple disciplines, and a model of interactivity as a practical means of evaluating the interactivity in any given learning experience

Reports to the President

A compilation of annual reports for the 1999-2000 academic year, including a report from the President of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, as well as reports from the academic and administrative units of the Institute. The reports outline the year's goals, accomplishments, honors and awards, and future plans