historical viewpoint ← JK

Project Proposal

Nov

21

2012

Thesis argument: Objects are symbols of human history. This history can get lost as they physically erode, rust, break, and disappear. Additionally, the nature of objects is changing: physical objects are being translated into immaterial software that is housed in high-tech hardware. Immaterial software and high-tech objects cannot be vessels of sentiment/nostalgia in the same ...

Pop Culture References

Nov

12

2012

American Pickers (History Channel) It’s all about the story behind the item! (watch it better here ›) Pier 1 commerical “Find what speaks to you” Willy Wonka “Wonka-vision” The Little Mermaid (Disney) Gadgets and gizmos aplenty… Antiques Roadshow (PBS/BCC) Hoarders (TLC) “Collecting”

Embodied Artifacts: Memory, Nostalgia and Mid-Century Objects

Nov

4

2012

This thesis project by Nicola Waugh is a great precedent for me in the domain of nostalgia + objects: Embodied Artifacts: Memory, Nostalgia and Mid-Century Objects from Nicola Waugh on Vimeo. Notes: post-war technology was about optimism; about bettering the American experience grandma’s kitchen = comfortable space imagined memories vs. lived memories high-quality products vs. ...

All Watched Over by Machines of Loving Grace (2/3)

Oct

16

2012

I’ve been watching these Adam Curtis documentaries for inspiration. They’ve been really thought provoking and given me an interesting perspective on the relationship between humans an machines throughout history. I didn’t take notes during the first episode, but I started jotting things down during the second one. See below: Adam Curtis – All Watched Over ...

The Museum of Interesting Things

Oct

11

2012

Saw these guys at Maker Faire; lots of cool old technology! Object on their site that has most potential for a thesis project: Pigeon Harness

Thesis Flea-search / Thrifty Saturday

Oct

6

2012

I went out in search of materials for a project prototype, and what better place to look than a flea market? There’s everything under the sun–vintage toys, clothing, housewares, and tools… and they all have mysterious histories. Who used to own them? Where have they been? How did they end up here? ...

History of Domestic Objects and Housekeeping

Sep

30

2012

A collection of articles on the history of domestic objects and housekeeping, covering topics such as: Laundry washing, starching, bluing, drying, and ironing Kitchen Dairy Pottery Folk, living, and open-air museums Beds Baby walkers Knitting Fireplaces

Old Tech + New Tech

Sep

30

2012

Update Twitter in Morse Code with the Tworsekey by Martin Kaltenbrummer Mintpass Cube concept brings analog back to digital music by Mintpass Decopunk iPod rig by Winged Fist Steampunk Laptop by Admiral Aaron Ravensdale Steampunk incandescent USB lamp by Winged Fist High voltage power supply for Nixies, CFL, Neon-Glow-Bulbs etc. for my steampunk ...

The Steampunk Workshop

Sep

27

2012

The Steampunk Workshop, a blog run by Jake von Slatt, posts a lot of content on Steampunk culture. I’m particularly interested in the (very well documented!) projects that combine new technology with old technology. Here are some of my favorite: Putting Old Lenses on a Cannon DSLR Feature: The Oomphalapompatronium! Cross-Stitch Made ...

Lift

Sep

27

2012

“Lift works to identify and anticipate current and emerging usages of digital technologies through research, events, publications and services.” “Lift is a community of pioneers who explore the social implications of new technologies. We aim to turn innovation into opportunity by anticipating the major shifts ahead, and connect the people who drive them. We work together ...

No-Tech Magazine: Progress and Technology

Sep

27

2012

No-Tech Magazine is written by Kris De Decker. This blog hosts all mixed links and updates from Low-Tech Magazine.

Low-Tech Magazine: Doubts on Progress and Technology

Sep

27

2012

Low Tech Magazine is written by Kris De Decker. The magazine publishes 12 stories per year on the topics of obsolete technology, ecotech myths, and low-tech solutions. The premise of the magazine is the rejection of the idea that every problem requires a high-tech solution. “Low-tech Magazine talks about the potential of past and often ...

Museum of Old Techniques: Hand Tools

Sep

27

2012

The Museum of Old Techniques is located in Belgium. They exhibit, demonstrate, and catalogue old-fashioned devices. What are the old techniques? Muscles, water and wind This website has 2,000+ line drawings of simple hand tools.

As We May Think

Sep

27

2012

“As We May Think” by Vannevar Bush This article was published in The Atlantic magazine in 1945. The author proposes ways that scientists can turn their attention to “the massive task of making more accessible our bewildering store of knowledge.” He calls for the development of tools that are an extension of the mind rather ...

The Inmates are Running the Asylum

Sep

25

2012

The Inmates Are Running the Asylum: Why High Tech Products Drive Us Crazy and How to Restore the Sanity by Alan Cooper – – – Notes: Part 1 Ch. 1 computers are dumb, and they turn otherwise easy-to-use objects into dumb objects that malfunction “it is far ...