Teaching Digital Fabrication through Design

Abstract

This paper explains the development of a digital fabrication graduate seminar that has evolved over four semesters. The class attempts to teach at various levels between 'how to' considerations of learning hardware and software, while exploring a deeper understanding of the technological implications on design and digital fabrication. At the heart of the course is the belief that the limitations of hardware, software , and materials can be viewed as opportunities during the making of any artifact. A number of teaching models have been employed over the four semesters that include short, abstract, directed mini-projects, which teach one skill to the opposite extreme that develops longer, open-ended research / design projects focused on a technology or technique. The products of the class are used to compare the benefits and deficiencies of various pedagogies. The work is also used to further define the desires of the course related to strategies for materials and making.