In this studio students are introduced to emerging design practices and theory in the fields of generative design, parametric typography, and data-visualisation. Through an introduction to simple software, tools and processes in guided workshops, students will experiment with parametric font design, 3D packaging and object design, data driven design and visualisation and human-machine collaboration, in order to create dynamic and interactive visuals, typography and design artefacts.

This studio engages with research in the growing use of creative coding, automation, machine learning, and data-driven design practices. Our design processes demand to be fluid and adaptable in format and message; our daily movements through physical and virtual space are generating vast quantities of data that the designer can use to generate new meanings and experiences; with emerging manufacturing techniques and accessible modelling tools we can customise fonts, packaging and visuals with a few lines of code.

Students will develop an understanding of the range of open source software, tools, processes and opportunities of parametric and generative design. Each student will develop an individual design project, as well as contribute to studio-wide projects in teams. Work and processes will be published to a virtual exhibition space at the conclusion of the studio.

Students will learn how to use code-based tools (including Processing, Tinkercad, HTML, CSS, and Javascript) to create a unique data-driven, interactive, AR and/or generative design work based or series, specialising in typography, parametric object design, image-making or physical computing.

Brief 01: Picnic Presentation Pitch. Brief 02: Prototype development & milestone review. Brief 03: Final generative design work for exhibition. Brief 04: Studio Knowledge Object - A statement and documentation of final project

http://digicult.it/digimag/issue-057/generative-practice-the-state-of-the-art/ ; "When the Machine Made Art:The Troubled History of Computer Art", by Grant D. Taylor ; "Hello, Robot: Design between Human and Machine" by Mateo Kries (Ed.) ; "Mathematics and Art: A Cultural History" by Lynn Gamwell ; "The Work of Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction" (1935) by Walter Benjamin

Designing Experiences, Design and the Post-Digital, Designing through Image, Designing Disobedience