Introduction

For the first week, we were introduced to machine learning. What this project really tackles are two interrelated ideas which are “machines'' and also “making”. With the guidance of Andreas, we explored the how/where/when/what do we make with the use of these machines. Over the course of 5 weeks, Farhan and Jingkang explore the world of machine learning through 4 different machines. Some we heard and tried before and some were really new to us. These machines range from pen plotter, laser cutting, micro controller and also computing systems.

The phenomenon that we have choosen was growth which then lead to choosing evolution. With this there was many images and research that we did and came across which some we found was really interesting as we didnt know that it was possible to make. For example the man made meta molecules that was invented by scientist. From here we went on to further our research by using the same phenomenon throughout our 3 experiments that we did and look what we have achieve and invented! Enjoy our works!

Just two random buddies that decided to rule to world of machine learning with our crazy works. Do enjoy our process hehe.

The Evolution of Matter
Experiments conducted by
Farhan (Skinny Legend)
JingKang (Missing Boi).

Even Though the approach was more process-oriented rather than outcome driven, Farhan & Jingkang were determined to execute both approaches as well as they could. The whole context of the project was to look at interpretations that visually express natural phenomena and their impact on the built or natural environment in view of uncertain futures. With this the first step was to read the reading that was distributed by Andreas to draw some inspirations from.

Hence after reading the “Useless Machines”, we were tasked to pick a phenomena list that we were curious about and develop ideas on how it can be presented in more abstract ways than literal or figurative. We then decided to go on with the Growth process which we dived in to research more about evolution. Both of us agreed on that as after creating a micro board and listing our ideas for each phenomena, we noticed that evolution was the most aesthetically pleasing in terms of its form and how there is always a growth process in every living thing including germs and bacteria. We will follow up with our ideation in the project description as well as the processes.

This project is made of 4 experiments. Take a look below to see what we came up with.

Experiment 1
Pen Plotter

We did a series of pen plotter works in year 1 and we did it again this semester but without any guidance. Hence both of us learn a lot from the downloading and use of applications to transferring our design to the machine which was a great learning point to be able to do everything ourselves.

For the experiments for the pen-plotter, surprisingly we managed to pull it off with the first try. However things like the placement of the paper needs to be corrected as the artwork was not centralized. Also things like the thickness of the pen have to correspond with the illustrator that we did as it might differ. However, the learning experience was still great as Andreas didn't have to spoon feed us and that we either learned how to work it ourselves or from peer to peer. Our design came up from the thought process of evolution which we then design to brainstorm ideas and images that are related to evolution. From there we picked a microscopic image of a liquid crystal that was related to our phenomenon that is "Evolution", which is then transferred to illustrator and then to the machine itself.

Pen Plotter: We did not create our evolution on p5js, instead we illustrate it out on Adobe and transfer it to pen plotter.
Pen Plotter: Our failed attempt at the pen plotter wasn't placed in the middle. Lesson learnt!

Experiment 2
Laser Cutter

The laser cutter was one of the best one yet. There was definitely a lot of learning points from this experience and also setbacks that we faced along the way that was definitely a lesson learned for us in the near future. The product that we did was based of the research that we did. It is basically called metamolecules which is the first artificial molecules that was created by scientist whose chirality can be rapidly switched from a right-handed to a left-handed orientation with a beam of light.

The whole process taught us a lot of stuff from the research that we did to the usage of laser cutting which was taught by Andreas and Dhiya along the way. There was definitely some setback such as our bolt and nuts wasnt enough for a whole 3X4 product, our base acrylic plate breaking because we dropped it and also losing our acrylic, having to change the colors accordingly and lastly learning about the machine to understand how it cuts and engrave items on your products. But all in all, I felt that me and JingKang execute the project with full passion and enthusiasm and we were proud of the final outcome. These were the learning point that we didnt ask for but was definitely elated it happend as it taught us to pre plan our project accordingly and that there will always be problems along the way. Making mistakes and learning is always the key to becoming better.

Laser Cutter: Drawing of our object before we get a better idea of the final size, proportion and also the materials needed.
Laser Cutter: Process image of our laser cutter cut out seperated into sections.
Laser Cutter: Farhan doing some adjustments to the cutting in illustrator.
Laser Cutter: Final look on our product with studio photography.

Experiment 3
Micro Controller

We decided to choose the Arduino as we have done and played it before. However we knew that there were more things that it was capable of and that was the reason why we chose it. Hence follow us on our journey to see what we did with our experiments.

We decided to choose our main product that we did for the laser cut as we want to continue with the theme that we have been following up with which is "Evolution". Knowing that we had conductors of electricity on our product which is the nut and bolt, it was a better way for us to communicate both our product and the arduino together. Although there were some problems like not being able to interact with different triangles and portraying different line works on the p5js each, we tackled the solution by interacting with all 4 triangles simultaneously while adding a bit of background music to enhance the feel and ambience of the project. Below you will be able to see how it works and we hope you guys love it!

Micro Controller: Experimenting on the p5js scketches on how and what we can do for its interactivity.
Micro Controller: This is Jing Kang communicating with our project via touch. This will then trigger a sensation back to our p5js that will showcase a series of lineworks through his motion.
Micro Controller: The first draft of p5js sketch looks like.

Process

Some problems we had on the way was definitely time management. Althought we think that Andreas lesson was very useful and exciting, there are times that we thin some projects can be longer such as the laser cutting project and arduino as it was fun and we thought there was more that could be done and learn from it. However, our process was smooth sailing and we had some time off to discuss more about our work after school ended. Having to also learn new skills on our own was fun too. Definitely things did that work out the first time as we had problems along the way as illustrated in our process images like the acrylic breaking etc.

All in all we just hope that this lesson could be longer and that we are able to learn more things from it as we felt that designing with machine is the future and there are more things that can be done if more people are interested in it. Of course Farhan and Jingkang are number one fan of this project.

"Where there is age, there is evolution. Where there is life, there is growth."

Conclusion

Learning new sets of machines was definitely one of them. However Farhan has already learn stuff on arduino and he was nice enough to teach me amazing stuff that you can do with it besides just pressing and tapping. We both would definitely love to continue what we are doing in Andreas class as it makes us excited everytime we play with new machines and making wonders from them. Thank you Andrea for lending us your laser cutting machine so we are able to learn it indiviaully which actually makes us more confident in what we do and we're thankful for that. The only problem that we thought might be improve is not to chunk new machines every week as we felt that these.

Both of us learn that time was definitely an important part in in process developement. However things may take a turn if there are problems in life. Either way both of us tackle the situation professionally and decided to make up for loss time. Thing like code not working or our product breaking are some of the challenges that we face and learn that we need to plan way before hand the problems that might come through. The acehievement was definitely delivering the work professional and giving our passion and love for this projects and Andreas as well hehe

We are very intrigue by the changing world of designing with machines and there are definitely market out there in the future. Both of us have definitely thought about pursuing this line of work after graduation and are slowly developing some ideas along the way that we might give it a go. Please have faith in us everyone!