Objects and Interaction 2024 MIT

Marcelo Coelho - Lecturer | Berfin Ataman - Teaching Assistant | Sergio Mutis - Teaching Assistant | Will McKenna - Technical Instructor

The class gives an overview of design as the giving of form, order, and interactivity to the objects that define our daily life. Follows the path from project to interactive product. Covers the overall design process, preparing students for work in a hands-on studio learning environment. Emphasizes design development and constraints. Topics include the analysis of objects; interaction design and user experience; design methodologies, current dialogues in design; economies of scale vs. means; and the role of technology in design. Provides a foundation in prototyping skills such as carpentry, casting, digital fabrication, electronics, and coding. Students work on two camera design projects and develop skills in prototyping, digital fabrication, electronics, and interaction design. Emphasizing iteration, critique, and user experience, the course provides a strong foundation for contemporary product design practices.

FEATURED STUDENT WORK

Twistorus
by Milin T, Layla Stanton, & Han Lai

“Twistorus” is a two-person digital camera that turns photography into a collaborative game. Participants must coordinate to simultaneously capture different parts of their bodies, producing a composite image shaped by their shared interaction.

Heliotrope
by Joanne Hong & Rachel Poonsiriwong

“Heliotrope” is a photogram camera that brings motion to static cyanotypes. The device exposes cyanotype sequences and plays them back on a rotating turntable. An integrated motor and light system animate the frames for real-time viewing.

Synthia
by Joanne Hong, Joshua Rivera, & Pria Sawhney

“Synthia” is a visual synthesizer used at parties and gatherings that brings concert-level visuals to your home. Using ambient audio and live video, it creates audience-driven audio-reactive visuals that are then projected back at the room