This paper, which describes the initial findings of an on-going research project, was presented to an international audience at the Design Enquiries conference in Stockholm in May 2007.
This project investigates use of motion capture (Mocap) technology as an interface with conventional three-dimensional CAD (Computer Aided Design) programs.
The research builds of the work of Schkolne et al (2001) and Matsumiya et al (2000), but specifically explores the use of newly developed fibre-optic based Mocap equipment with an aim to establish user-friendly systems that can be applied to a wide range of creative applications. Furthermore the research aims to combine these systems with conventional as well as digital manufacturing methods in order to develop complete artefacts creation techniques. This project is the first to investigate the potential of Mocap based human-computer interaction (HCI) within the concept of a traditional craft practice.
The project is located in the broad context of developing human oriented interfaces with digital design tools. Within this wide context it is specifically concerned with creating design objects that are derived from digitally recording human gesture and carry the individual character of those gestures into the finished artefact. This interest in the ’evidence of the human hand’ in an artefact and a desire for a more direct and intuitive interaction with technology can be identified as a pre-occupation of crafts practitioners in particular and this research contributes to the area of digital craft practices as defined by McCullough (1996)
