The Hybrid Artisans

Abstract

We present an approach to combining digital fabrication and craft, demonstrating a hybrid interaction paradigm where human and machine work in synergy. The FreeD is a hand-held digital milling device, monitored by a computer while preserving the makers freedom to manipulate the work in many creative ways. Relying on a pre-designed 3D model, the computer gets into action only when the milling bit risks the objects integrity, preventing damage by slowing down the spindle speed, while the rest of the time it allows complete gestural freedom. We present the technology and explore several interaction methodologies for carving. In addition, we present a user study that reveals how synergetic cooperation between human and machine preserves the expressiveness of manual practice. This quality of the hybrid territory evolves into design personalization. We conclude on the creative potential of open-ended procedures within this hybrid interactive territory of manual smart tools and devices.

MatchSticks

“…Interactive -We develop a more fluid and hybrid making [28] process that positions the tool and user as collaborators. Our design avoids the design-convert-wait workflow by positioning itself as a flexible smart workshop tool that is fully selfcontained and can be independent of any external CAD or CAM software.…”

“…Many of these new smart tools involve tracking the position of the tool. In 3D, carving with a high speed rotary tool was augmented by tracking with a 6DOF Fastrak sensor [28]. In 2D, visual markers allowed tracking to compensate for the coarse movements of the user with a small CNC stage [14].…”

ProxyPrint

“…Here, we identify three types of scaffold proxies (schematics, stencils and jigs) that provide different assistance ( Figure 1) and evaluate these proxies in a formal study with novice and expert craftspeople. Our study characterizes the proxies based on metrics from hybrid crafting literature [20,30,38]. Our results showed that the making experience with scaffolds differ across expertise and can effectively influence creative deviation and agency.…”

“…Previous HCI research on creativity support has introduced several ways of characterizing how physical tools can support creative practices [20,30,38]. We derived metrics from this body of work to evaluate the experience of using scaffolding proxies.…”

“…However, there are several important trade-offs to the convenience of automated fabrication. By removing manual creation from the process, DF eliminates well-known benefits of making things by hand: Klemmer et al [17] describe how "thinking through doing" (i.e., engaging directly with the physical world) often helps with problem-solving and learning, which aligns with constructionist approaches to education [21,25]; makers also tend to feel greater ownership over objects that are physically made [32], especially when the "hand of the artist" is visible [20,38]; finally, manual creation introduces the risk of making errors, which can lead to "happy accidents" [19] that can shape and even improve creative outcomes. At the same time, while DF machines and interfaces, have moments or surprise and error, this secondhand feedback is more displaced from the material and usually a result of some algorithmic or mechanical error.…”