This project was part of my M.A. postgraduate studies at UAL – London College of Communication in Interaction Design Communication.
Ultra Objects
An ‘Ultra-Object’ is something that exists beyond the visible in a wider or unseen system. If one component was out of place or eliminated, there would a change in the character of the object that could obstruct the fulfilment of its purpose. The by-product could be considered a mistake, or in another context a ‘hybrid’ object. Which lead me to consider how to alter or ‘play’ with the process of manufacture could lead to creation of hybrid objects.
This project was intended as an introduction to contemporary debates and issues in interaction design and technology, both through critique of technology and practice with technology. Specifically, this project was to challenge and consider what a designed object is in the context of global networks and ‘invisible’ technological systems.
So idea of the home console, or interactive counter was born. One could download the patterns for LEGO® toy components and print the objects from the predetermined pattern. Or we could lay out a new pattern according to our own design for play and experimentation. This could lead to the creation of hybrid objects purposefully or by accident.
The console could have three stages, going from left to right:
Step 1: Object Purpose
Choose a generic object (cube represents pre-production for example) and give it a specific purpose that is within the pre-production process of that object.
Step 2: Object Pattern
Place the programmed cube over the visual pattern representing the manufacturing process. Complete the pattern with the other post-programmed objects.
Step 3: Object Creation
We evaluate/confirm the pattern and print the object.
The input and process is the same, but the output mechanism can be a small 3D printer at home or it could be a vast factory anywhere in the UK or the world.
Early exploratory research into hypothetical manufacturing systems using interlocking and colour coded cards that represent common stages of most production process:
Stage 1:
Pre-production – preparation of raw materials and assembly of components
Stage 2:
Production – object creation using all necessary component and procedures
Stage 3:
Post-production – refinement of object (trimming, cleaning, polishing and packaging).
By moving the elements of each stage around we can introduce the experimentation into the process and affect the system.
Initial conceptualisation and prototyping of what the home console might look like according to the functionality required.
