April 23, 2011, 1 to 6 pm
In this workshop, participants will design and fabricate custom variations on an open-source computer mouse using the Rhino 3D modeling software.
The workshop is part of a research project investigating the possibilities for the digital fabrication of open-source consumer electronic products. The research seeks to understand how we can best design products so that they can be made with digital fabrication processes, how these products can be customized by individuals for their own preferences and needs, and how they can be distributed and sold. The workshop will an include an overview of possibilities and examples in this space of open-source consumer electronics. Through the workshop, participants will gain experience with ways in which design can be applied to the production and customization of unique electronic products and an opportunity to meet others interested in the topic.
We’ll spend most of the workshop creating custom variations on a Rhino model for the mouse enclosure. Participants’ designs will be 3D printed during the week following the workshop and participants will receive the 3D printed model and all electronics necessary to construct the mouse. In exchange, participants will be asked to complete survey questions about their experience and to freely share their modified design files.
Prior knowledge of Rhino is a pre-requisite for participation and participants should bring their own laptops with a working copy of the software. No experience with 3D printing or electronics required.
Participation is limited; please RSVP to mellis@media.mit.edu to reserve a space.
For more information, see: http://web.media.mit.edu/~mellis/mouse/