An Exploration of Engineering’s Layers of Abstraction Through Paper Electronics

Abstract

Electronics and computing devices have become increasingly prevalent in everyday use, and the combination of more screen time and the growth of the Internet of Things has led to a world of ever more ubiquitous computing. However, the drive for devices that are seamlessly integrated in our lives and frictionless to use has resulted in the concealment of the material basis of computing and the layers of abstraction between electron and user interface. In response, a growing body of research across fields has focused on the materiality of computing, and explored the power of atypical mediums from radical atoms to traditional crafts in addressing this materiality. In particular, paper is especially suited for this exploration, due to its versatility as a material and its historical and conceptual ties to computing. This project seeks to investigate paper as a medium, and its expressive abilities to reflect on the hidden materiality of computing. This exploration takes the form of a series of four interactive paper and electronic sculptures, which build a narrative through layers of abstraction ranging from the user interface to the physical basis of computing.