In the session we discussed concepts related to embodiment, health, and sensing, referring to articles by Clark, Viseu, and Wolf, and building wearable data loggers and simple bend sensors. I plan to post an instructable on the simple data logger which used an RBBB arduino-compatible from Modern Device.

Very successful event for me and provides more info on how to curate critical making events – in particular how to manage the weaving in and out of conceptual and material exploration.

More details are below:

Self-Sensing and Health – a critical making experience

The positive and negative potential for digital sensing and tracking technologies is well known. Such technologies make it possible for institutions and organizations to track and monitor individuals in a variety of ways. Much has been written about the potential for a ‘surveillance society’, with the state or private interests increasingly intervening in personal lives in both productive and destructive ways. CCTV cameras that may both increase public safety as well as the possibility of state control are a good example. Another example is the Secure Continuous Remote Alcohol Monitor or “SCRAM” bracelet famously being worn by Linsay Lohan.

What makes these technologies useful as well as problematic is the way they monitor personal information (presence and location, or blood alcohol levels) and then relay that information to a central source for processing and decision-making. But what about personal usage of monitoring technology and the data that results? There are a few examples in the market that have been extremely successful, in particular medical technologies such as blood glucose meters, and sports/health devices such as the Nike+ipod pedometer system.

In this workshop we will use both conceptual exploration and material prototyping to think through some of the possibilities of ‘self-sensing’ and digital technology. We’ll refer to some academic work on the relationship between technology and the body in order to construct a shared vocabulary on this topic, and to open up the conceptual problem space beyond the current state of the art. Some of the terms we may explore include:

augmentation, ‘functionality without virtuality,’ pervasive (from Viseu, 2003)

plasticity, ‘profound embodiment’, natural-born cyborgs (from Clark, 2007)

self-knowledge, data-driven, personal data (from Wolf, 2010)

We will then use a prepared selfsensor kit to build personal self-sensors, explore their use, and discuss future innovations and possibilities.

10AM-10:15AM: Intros, brief discussion of critical making, plans for the day

10:15-10:30: Discussion of interests around health, data, and sensing

10:30-11:00: Brief overview of potentially useful concepts (from readings):

11:00-1: Making selfsensors

1:00-2:00: Lunch

2:00-3:00: Discussion

http://www.diycitizenship.com

We’re finalizing the program now, but if anyone is interested in participating in the ‘maker space’ that will be ongoing during the event, please contact me directly.

Matt

http://www.ipsi.utoronto.ca/2010Symposium.html

The course uses design-based research on physical  computing as an adjunct to information scholarship, exploring critical information issues related to intellectual property, technological bias, technical skill, and identity. It is offered yearly as part of the Masters of Information Degree in the Faculty of Information.

The projects that were shown last night address questions of wearable computing and explore how they potentially change the relationship between private information and public space.

The Sphinx Helmet - http://criticalmaking.weebly.com/

“Open Wide Goggles” http://openwidegoggles.wordpress.com/

Sensi-Safe – http://sensisafe.weebly.com/

Pseudonymity – http://criticalmakinggroup4.weebly.com

iKu575 - http://hitechhumanists.wordpress.com/

Standards -http://criticalmaking6.wordpress.com/

To view pictures from the event – http://www.flickr.com/photos/mattratto/sets/72157623738471221/

http://www.research.utoronto.ca/behind_the_headlines/how-does-the-ipad-affect-society/

I think it comes off as a little over-critical of Apple, but I do worry about the consumerist model that seems embedded in the itunes system. Perhaps Jobs will surprise us with free access to public domain texts. Actually, come to think of it, I’ll be interested to see whether ebook software currently running on the iPhone will be customized for the iPad…

Hard at work on the Internet of Things

The circuit diagrams used in the workshop included simple led and sensor circuits. We also used the tutorials created by Limor Fried and those made by Tod E. Kurt.

The conversation last night was ‘catalyzed’ by short talks given by myself, and my colleagues in the Faculty of Information, Heather McNeil and Matt Brower, as well as Ian Lancashire from the Department of English.

Here’s a link to the Prezi presentation I used to structure my thoughts:

Within the presentation, clicking on the arrows at the bottom of the screen will take you forward and back through the images and quotes.

My thanks to Jennifer Esmail (Rutgers & UofT), Steve Hockema (UofT), Jun Luo (UofT), Stuart Murray (Ryerson), Dominique Scheffel-Dunand (York), and Brian Cantwell Smith (UofT) for organizing this event.