Data textiles
with Northeastern students Gabriela Horenstein and Claudia Stedt and Information Design Fall 2021 students
This project explores textiles as a media and method for data physicalization. In this work, we are particularly interested in (1) process and the embodied component of creating textile data representations, (2) ways in which crafting approaches to data might engage different communities, expertise, and information, and (3) novel methods of information representation afforded by textile approaches. We are currently investigating these areas through class projects, collaborations with local organizations, and collection of prior work. How does time, effort and reflection impact understandings of information? Does the often personal nature of textiles and their proximity to the body impact data representations or meaning making? How do fiber artists approach data representation and encoding and what opportunities does that surface in the information visualization community? We have a number of projects currently in progress that we hope to publish in the coming years. (second image below by Northeastern News)
I also co-taught a 3-day class "Fabrication from Fabric" at MIT in 2014 with Pip Mothersill, Chris Bevans and the CBAtelier team. The course introduced the fundamentals of sewing, from choosing a project to designing a pattern to selecting materials to executing the vision. We also discussed emerging methods including computational design and novel materials. Students were introduced to topics through both lectures and hands-on applications, resulting in a simple final project.
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