Computation in Design
Atelier
Computation in Design
Atelier Overview
B-DC Dissertation and Graduation Project
Atelier
Computation in Design
B-DC Dissertation and Graduation Project
Josef Albers discussing Paper Sculptures presented by his students during the Preliminary Course at the Bauhaus, Dessau, Germany (1928-1929).
Atelier
Computation in Design, the Atelier.
1.1
What will be covered in this atelier?
Atelier
Computation in Design
B-DC Dissertation and Graduation Project
More importantly, what will you discover over the course of this one year long journey of study?
Computation in Design, the Atelier.
1.1
In this atelier we will look at approaches, contexts and issues that relate to
Atelier
Computation in Design
B-DC Dissertation and Graduation Project
Topics that are not a priority in this atelier
Generative Design
Human-Computer Interaction
Creative AI and Machine Learning
Sensory Experiences and Physical Computing
Experiments in Creative Coding, Making, Play
Installation and Immersive Environments
Computational Aesthetics
Prototyping
Metaverse
Social Media
Virtual Reality
Computation in Design, the Atelier.
1.1
In this atelier we will look at approaches, contexts and issues that relate to
Atelier
Computation in Design
B-DC Dissertation and Graduation Project
Generative Design
Human-Computer Interaction
Creative AI and Machine Learning
Sensory Experiences and Physical Computing
Experiments in Creative Coding, Making, Play
Installation and Immersive Environments
Computational Aesthetics
Prototyping
Graphic Designer
Visual Artist
Interaction Designer
Creative Technologist
Design Researcher
Further your academic career
1.2
In this atelier, design is looked at through the lens of computation. In particular, we take a broader look at technologies and how artefacts relate to us and to others: People, machines, spaces, but, the other here may also include things, ecosystems, organisms, other species.
Much of the learning is inductive*—build and test first, gather evidence and think critically, reflect on your explorations, see what a process, an artefact, affords you as a design researcher, and decide on the next series of steps in an incremental process. Our approach here will oscillate between design practice and design research–writing and making.
Atelier
Computation in Design
B-DC Dissertation and Graduation Project
Computation in Design, the Atelier.
Computation in Design
1.3
Computation in Design, as understood in the atelier, is informed by three approaches to research and design: computing, sensing and making.
It invites students on a journey where creative technologies meet design in dynamic ways, shaping how artefacts, tools and products interact with our world.
Atelier
Computation in Design
B-DC Dissertation and Graduation Project
Computation in Design
1.3
The atelier acts as a laboratory to explore how practice and inquiry relate to human experiences, interactive environments and larger ecosystems.
It is a space where hands-on experimentation meets thoughtful reflection guided by research through design.
This approach applies particularly, but not exclusively, to areas like Generative Design, Creative AI and Computational Aesthetics. It extends to Prototyping, Sensory Experiences and Human-Computer Interaction, addressing current issues while envisioning an optimistic future.
Atelier
Computation in Design
B-DC Dissertation and Graduation Project
Computation in Design
1.4
Computing and coding addresses the aspect of applying computation to creative practices, which in this case is particularly relevant to the field of design communication. Coding is seen here as a technique, a tool, a playground and a language to communicate and interact with and through machines.
Atelier
Computation in Design
B-DC Dissertation and Graduation Project
Computing
Sensing here refers to sensory experiences as well as sense making and sensing with our human senses or the sensors of machines. Furthermore, sensing here goes hand in hand with data acquisition, analysis, visualisation and expression when processed computationally.
Sensing
Making is understood as a hands-on approach and collaborative group work where members of a group share knowledge, learning and skills. Furthermore, one should be aware of what is being made and think critically about the context in which the making takes place and has an impact.
Making
Generative Systems, creative coding, visual communication, algorithmic behaviours, machine learning, experiences
Interaction, interfaces, sensors, data, physical computing
Tools, materials, discourse, prototypes, fabrication, immersion, expression, creative technology
Computation in Design
1.5
Its gonna be fine.
Atelier
Computation in Design
B-DC Dissertation and Graduation Project
Coding
Learning code can be frustrating and it requires a lot of time and a lot of failure. Time and failure and misunderstanding. To imbue a sense of optimism here is so important–to celebrate this as a new mode of working and to help students to realise that there's all these untapped ideas out there.
Coding Spectrum
Atelier
Computation in Design
B-DC Dissertation and Graduation Project
No Code
Low Code
Some Code
All Code
Requires few to no code to quickly build an application. This doesn't mean there is no code involved, the code just all runs in the background. Often purely UI, pull-down and drag-and-drop based.
Similar to No Code, however, some code is exposed in the application development environment you are using. Although often related to visual programming environments, a basic understanding of coding concepts is useful.
Limited to the tool
Some customisation possible
Some coding skills required
Build your own
Wordpress
TouchDesigner
Code templates
Blender
html, css, JavaScript
Code frameworks (p5js, Processing)
Scripting
Arduino
Unity
Knowing and understanding some code as a designer allows you to innovate, collaborate better, and communicate across disciplines when technical expertise is required. Basic knowledge in software and hardware development required–can be acquired through practice.
This is when you are able to build your own software with ease. Needless to say this needs time and practice but allows you to create your own tools applied to your design practice.
Cargo and similar platforms
Figma
Spark AR
Prompting (Midjourney, Dall-e, etc.)
Pen and Paper
Text Editor
Any programming language
Command Line
Git
Atelier
Computation in Design
B-DC Dissertation and Graduation Project
Approach
Art+Com Studios. Futurium, permanent exhibition, invites visitors to explore potential futures through experiential artefacts in a mix of analogue and digital media.
Approach
2.1
Students go back and forth between their dissertation and their practice. Both should be carried out in tandem. If the dissertation is done before the practice, the practice becomes merely the "packaging" of the research.
New knowledge should emerge from practice. Design practice can be cross-fertilised with disciplines such as psychology, sociology, sustainability, communication studies, philosophy or literary studies, futures and foresight studies, as well as performing arts, contemporary art, music or other design disciplines, but the core of the research should be anchored in design.
Atelier
Computation in Design
B-DC Dissertation and Graduation Project
Approach, in the studio.
Atelier
Computation in Design
B-DC Dissertation and Graduation Project
Approach, in the studio.
Atelier
Computation in Design
B-DC Dissertation and Graduation Project
Atelier
Computation in Design
B-DC Dissertation and Graduation Project
Generative
Interactive
Discursive
Experimental
Approach and Motivation
Generativity here refers to a design approach that can be regarded as computational, iterative, modular and emergent. By creating and using generative systems, a designed outcome can respond quickly to change and adapt.
An emphasis of your work may be on creating interactive scenarios that can be tested and observed in order to make the designed outcomes experiential for the audience and communicate with them through interactions.
2.2
A discursive approach can be considered a thought catalyst. The designed object’s primary role is no longer utilitarian, aesthetic or commercial but is given form and function so that it can communicate ideas—this is the goal and the measure of success. Rather than tools for living and doing, these are tools for thinking.
An experimental approach can consider unconventional materials, tools, design methods and outcomes. The centre of this approach is exploration. Often this goes in line with topics that look at future scenarios addressing artificial intelligence, climate change, sustainability or bio design.
Casey Reas
Memo Akten
Neri Oxman
Weidi Zhang
Anab Jain
Lauren McCarthy
Stephanie and Bruce Tharp
Taeyoon Choi
Bill Moggridge
Hiroshi Ishii
Joachim Sauter, art+com
Rebecca Fiebrink
AIxDesign Community
Biodesigned
Disnovation Collective
xCoAx Conference
Approaches can be
Atelier
Computation in Design
B-DC Dissertation and Graduation Project
Sketching
Experimenting
Prototyping
Designed Outcomes
Approach and Action
Sketching is about bringing ideas to life and putting them on paper to better communicate the nature, relationships and flow of ideas and processes through simple but meaningful mapping and diagrams. This approach is designed to help both students and their supervisors have constructive and productive discussions, critiques and feedback sessions to move the enquiry and exploration of a project forward step by step.
An experiment in the broader sense may refer to practicing by trial and error, trying and testing the unknown, and learning through a process of approximation and correction until a satisfactory state is reached. This state may mean that a particular problem has been solved, or that a state of beauty has been achieved, or some other form of successful (or possibly unsuccessful) result.
2.3
The term prototype, along with the verb prototyping, has become popular in design research. Originally, the term indicated a precursor of a mass-produced product, which shares its material qualities, but will undergo testing and development during implementation. In design research, the term prototype may also be used for all kinds of product-like physical constructions.
The outputs designed in this atelier are a collection of sketches, experiments and prototypes that are created during the course of a study. These outcomes can be stand-alone, such as a series of artefacts, an installation, a screen-based application and more, or they can be the material for a publication that documents the process and the gathered findings and outcomes in a printed or digital document.
Approach your work through
Approach
Exploring
Testing
Making
Prototyping
Sketching
Documenting
Interactive
Critical
Experimental
Generative
Discursive
Playful
Atelier
Computation in Design
B-DC Dissertation and Graduation Project
Motivation
Action
2.4
Approach
Exploring
Testing
Making
Prototyping
Sketching
Documenting
Interactive
Critical
Experimental
Generative
Discursive
Playful
Atelier
Computation in Design
B-DC Dissertation and Graduation Project
Action
2.4
Motivation
Atelier
Computation in Design
B-DC Dissertation and Graduation Project
Approach
Interactive Testing
Atelier
Computation in Design
B-DC Dissertation and Graduation Project
Approach
Playful Prototyping
Atelier
Computation in Design
B-DC Dissertation and Graduation Project
Approach
Critical Making
Atelier
Computation in Design
B-DC Dissertation and Graduation Project
Approach
Discursive Exploring
Urban Fieldworks 2015
Atelier
Computation in Design
B-DC Dissertation and Graduation Project
Approach
Generative Sketching
Atelier
Computation in Design
B-DC Dissertation and Graduation Project
Designed Outcomes
Generative Systems, creative coding, visual communication, publication
Atelier
Computation in Design
B-DC Dissertation and Graduation Project
Designed Outcomes
Generative Systems, tool, screen-based, real-time visuals
Atelier
Computation in Design
B-DC Dissertation and Graduation Project
Designed Outcomes
Creative coding, experiences, interaction, interfaces, prototypes
Atelier
Computation in Design
B-DC Dissertation and Graduation Project
Designed Outcomes
Augmented Reality, interactive narratives
Atelier
Computation in Design
B-DC Dissertation and Graduation Project
Designed Outcomes
Interaction, sensors, physical computing, experience, machine learning,immersion
Matthew Lau, Hello I am here.
Atelier
Computation in Design
B-DC Dissertation and Graduation Project
Designed Outcomes
Interaction, sensors, physical computing, experience, immersion
Goh Sing Hong, Listening Lab
Atelier
Computation in Design
B-DC Dissertation and Graduation Project
Designed Outcomes
interfaces, interactions, generative, sensors, haptics, plants
Aditi Neti, Bio-Interfaces
Atelier
Computation in Design
B-DC Dissertation and Graduation Project
Designed Outcomes
generative design, digital fabrication, real-time visuals, data, interfaces
Rachel Lee, Selfscapes
Atelier
Computation in Design
B-DC Dissertation and Graduation Project
Designed Outcomes
interactions, materials, making, sensors, awareness, exhibition
Aimee Junoes, Urban Plastisphere
Atelier
Computation in Design
B-DC Dissertation and Graduation Project
2.5
Design can function at multiple levels and in different ways. Design professor Richard Buchanan captured his thinking into these ‘four orders of design’ illustrating how design as a discipline has moved from the traditional concept of the visual or tangible artefact through to orchestrating interactions and experiences, and to transforming systems.
Four Orders of Design. Symbols, Objects, Actions, Systems.
Application
Atelier
Computation in Design
B-DC Dissertation and Graduation Project
Application
2.5
Four Orders of Design
2D Graphic Design, deals with the nature, shape, and meaning of symbols and consists of four distinct but related activities: typography, illustration, photography, and print. 2
Systems and environments. Environmental design is concerned with “[t]he idea or thought that organizes a system or environment” Therefore, in the fourth order, the focus is on human systems, “the integration of information, physical artifacts, and interactions in environments of living, working, playing, and learning.” 2
4D Interaction. In interaction design, the locus of design is action. Here, the focus is on designing experiences rather than physical objects. 2
3D Industrial Design, industrial design is concerned with tangible, physical artifacts — with things. 2
1 Symbols
3 Actions
2 Objects
4 Systems
Atelier
Computation in Design
B-DC Dissertation and Graduation Project
2.5
Four Orders of Design
1 Symbols
2 Objects
3 Actions
4 Systems
Application
Poster
Print publication
Website
3D print
Crafted object
Device
Community
Exhibition
Platform
Spaces
Workshop
Immersive Experience
Installation
Interface
Screen
Atelier
Computation in Design
B-DC Dissertation and Graduation Project
Supervision
Zoom Lab, prototypes by Lasalle's Media Lab and alumni. Part of the Faculty of Design exhibition Encounters, Institute of Contemporary Arts Singapore, 2019.
Supervision
Research
Atelier
Computation in Design
B-DC Dissertation and Graduation Project
Practice
Dissertation
informs
informs
individual and group consultations
workshops on sketching, experimenting, prototyping
lab sessions to address technical challenges
case studies
Current graduation project topics
Atelier
Computation in Design
B-DC Dissertation and Graduation Project
Siyoun
Marcus
Prototyping Unethical Algorithms An initiative to facilitate navigation of the digital landscape by leveraging speculative design to reimagine conventional algorithm literacy education
Digital Reading This project aims to capture the interest of young readers and facilitate their acquisition of scholarly information through the process of non-linear reading.
Ly
Design beyond vision An implementation of assistive technology through a study of visual impairments to improve design solutions for the community.
Momo
Motivation Makeover. An exploration of establishing meaning and purpose in unmotivated students through micro-interactions
1/2
Ryan
Creativity as a Commodity A project that aims to speculate the near future of the creative industries in light of the rise of generative artificial intelligence tools.
Bryan
Cognitive load and Immersive Design. Enhancing Brand Experiences through Technology by Balancing Complexity for Optimal Attention Span
Cheryl
Perception of Textures This project embarks on an exploration of generative typography, delving into the intricate interplay between material textures and the evolving relationship between the digital and physical realms.
Tanishqa
Tangible Narratives. This project explores the intersection of interactive experiences, non-linear narratives, and spatial environments, challenging traditional theatre boundaries.
Atelier
Computation in Design
B-DC Dissertation and Graduation Project
Yishan
Antidotes for bruised creatives. The objective of this research is to explore the expression of stressful experiences of working in a competitive creative world.
Richard
Digital beyond exhibition This research project explores how the digital age has affected the way people perceive and interact with cultural heritage, and how museums must adapt to this changing context.
Current graduation project topics
2/2
Gerard
Symphony Sphere. Exploring virtual experiences to foster harmonious communities through music.
22–23 graduation project topics
Atelier
Computation in Design
B-DC Dissertation and Graduation Project
Aditi
Seyoun
Ariel
Rachel
Sadhna
Farm to Fork to Phenotype Experiments in computer-mediated intervention design and mediated food behaviour during a time of global food crisis.
Selfscapes: Redefining Digital Identities Experiments into the potential of generative visual systems as visual representations of identities in the online space.
Ubiquitous Nuisance A study on how sound walks are used to understand urban noises within parks in Singapore.
Interactive Signage Explore the design of interactive signages that interpret a neighbourhood’s identity through generative visuals.
Bio-Interfaces. Facilitating human-plant interaction in a potential hybrid future to uphold urban nature as a public good
Farhan
Integrating machine learning in design An exploration into creative machine learning through the use of interactive prototypes to encourage designers to integrate design and creative technology
Matin
Promoting Healing via Interactive Positive Distractions. Utilising affective computing and ludic engagement methods to create enhanced positive stimuli for spaces of healing
Aimee
Urban Plastisphere. Exploring the role of interactive artefacts in soliciting awareness of plastic pollution.
Atelier
Computation in Design
B-DC Dissertation and Graduation Project
Readings
Computation in Design, selected readings.
3.1
Atelier
Computation in Design
B-DC Dissertation and Graduation Project
1
2
3
4
5
6
3.2
The following list of readings list is split into three sections: Coding, Sensing, Making.
Readings range from book chapters to journal and magazine articles to blog posts and interviews.
Atelier
Computation in Design
B-DC Dissertation and Graduation Project
Computation in Design, more readings.
And some more readings, navigate down.
Computation in Design, more readings.
3.3
Atelier
Computation in Design
B-DC Dissertation and Graduation Project
Coding addresses the aspect of applying computation to creative practices, which in this case is particularly relevant to the field of design communication. Coding is seen here as a technique, a tool, a playground and a language to communicate and interact with and through machines.
Coding
Generative Systems, creative coding, visual communication, algorithmic behaviours, machine learning, experiences
3.3
Atelier
Computation in Design
B-DC Dissertation and Graduation Project
Computation in Design, more readings.
3.4
Atelier
Computation in Design
B-DC Dissertation and Graduation Project
Sensing here refers to sensory experiences as well as sense making and sensing with our human senses or the sensors of machines. Furthermore, sensing here goes hand in hand with data acquisition, analysis, visualisation and expression when processed computationally.
Sensing
Interaction, interfaces, sensors, data, physical computing
Computation in Design, more readings.
Computation in Design, readings.
3.4
Atelier
Computation in Design
B-DC Dissertation and Graduation Project
Computation in Design, readings.
3.5
Atelier
Computation in Design
B-DC Dissertation and Graduation Project
Making is understood as a hands-on approach and collaborative group work where members of a group share knowledge, learning and skills. Furthermore, one should be aware of what is being made and think critically about the context in which the making takes place and has an impact.
Making
Tools, materials, discourse, prototypes, fabrication, immersion, expression, creative technology
Computation in Design, readings.
3.5
Atelier
Computation in Design
B-DC Dissertation and Graduation Project
