CONDUCTING FORM - THE USE OF GESTURAL HAND MOVEMENT AS A PART OF THE DIGITAL DESIGN TOOL-SET.

Abstract

This article describes a practice based research project undertaken at the Autonomatic Digital Research Cluster at University College Falmouth.

The project explores how new design interfaces can be developed by investigating the possibility of using gestural hand movements in combinations with digital design and development tools.

This concept is inspired by some of the core elements from traditional creative practices. These elements include the direct intuitive interaction the maker have with form during the creating process and the use of the hand as the primary creative tool.

The article centres on the investigation of two different types of equipment. The Microscribe®G2L – a digitizing arm, and the ShapeHandPlus™ motion capture data glove. The investigations established several possible applications which resulted in range of finished products.

The findings of both investigations are compared and critically reviewed by the author.