Computational Remixing and 3D Modeling

Researchers, theorists and advocates of “remixing” note that repurposing things can act as a pathway for learning. Users who remix computationally often have larger repertoires of computer programming knowledge. Exposure to this process also increases the likelihood of students using and applying computer science concepts in other subjects. This lesson combines remixing and sampling, the latter of which requires a sound, shape, or motif that can be repeated to create a pattern. Remixing is the act, or the result of taking an existing pattern or sequence and creating something new with it. First, let's start with a history of remixing,

The goal of this lesson is to learn about and practice computational remixing using a culturally situated design tool or CSDT, then, after exporting or save the resulting visual pattern, students can import them as SVG files into Tinkercad 3D design and create 3D models that can be manipulated to create new designs.

Culturally Situated Design Tool or CSDT (ex. the Nontsi CSDT)

Small motif or graphic design (150 x 150 pixels); use Inkscape or other image / vector graphics editor

Tinkercad 3D Design

3D printer (optional)

Nontsikelelo Mutiti is a Zimbabwean born visual artist and educator. Her work focuses on web design, video, print, and book art. She also collaborates with software designers to create art. As an artist and educator Mutiti situates African hair braiding within the realm of digital technology. According to her, the foundation of this style of braiding is similar to the rule based nature of algorithms. About this Mutiti writes,

Design and fabrication tools perform aesthetic gestures based preset commands and algorithms. The execution and repetition of a series procedures produces the patterns we see as braids. It is this closed system of rules that allows for variable patterns to evolve.

This work inspired software developers to create a culturally situated design tool (Nontsi) based on Ruka, which in the Shona language of Zimbabwe describes the processes of braiding, weaving, and knitting. Mutiti samples the graphic designs of black hair combs, afro hair picks, and the ‘y-shaped’ plaits that make up a braid or cornrow. Lines or rows made from these plaits create patterns. Patterns are repeated to create unique designs. In the next step, students will learn how to use a culturally situated design tool (CSDT) to simulate this process.

The Nontsi CSDT allows users to simulate the way in which Nontsikelelo Mutiti samples hair braiding designs to create or screen print floor tiles. Using a vector graphics editor, she reproduces patterns and these patterns or modules can be used to create infinite braided designs.

In mathematics and computing the process to create the CSDT design is called an algorithm, which is a step-by-step procedure for calculations. CSDT designs are a type of algorithmic art or computer-generated art.

For this step, students will create or use a simple motif that is 150 x 150 pixels (must be saved as a PNG file). Use can use Inkscape to do this or find clip art that fits the size criteria, then

1. Launch the Nontsi CSDT
2. Import a "costume" motif *
3. Click the green flag to run the program; edit the code by adding, removing, or changing blocks (see example)
4. When satisfied with the pattern, screen capture or grab and save the image

* Costumes are the artwork associated with a sprite. Sprites are things that move, such as when you hit the green flag (run) button to create an animation.

Note: The "sample" in the demo is a black and white motif that was used to create a pattern in the Nontsi CSDT.

Sample image files have been included.

For this step, students will use a vector graphics editor to make an SVG file that can be imported into Tinkercad. To begin, launch Inkscape then

1. Open the CSDT-generated image and select it
2. Click Path > Trace Bitmap
3. Click the Update button to show the image, if you don't see it
4. Choose the default (Brightness threshold) and
5. Click the Okay button and close the window
6. Delete the original image
7. Save as an SVG file

Tinkercad 3D Design extends the computational remixing and design process to include 3D modeling. To explore this launch the program and do the following:

1. Click the blue "Create new design" button
2. Click the Import button (top right)
3. Import the SVG file
4. Re-size the object, if necessary
5. Change the color of the imported design and add a colorful base (see example)
6. Optional: Explore as an STL file for 3D printing

Allow students time to explore the computational remixing process using the software. For example, all of these designs were created using the Nontsi CSDT, based on simple black and white motifs (see examples).

Traditional hair braiders do not use computers to make their calculations but they do follow algorithms (steps) to create braided hairstyles. Certain designs or patterns are remixed to create new styles.

Nontsikelelo Mutiti's screen printed floor tiles with tessellating, braided patterns are algorithmic; each tile consists of a group of lines (cornrows), designed in such a way that different shapes are formed depending on how the tiles are arranged.

If students have access to 3D printers they can 3D print their Tinkercad designs. They can also laser cut the SVG files from wood or acrylic and engage in the process used by Nontsikelelo Mutiti to assemble, mix and remix physical tiles.