Lecturer: Dr. Amit Zoran
Affiliation: The Rachel and Selim Benin School
of Computer Science and Engineering,
Hebrew University of Jerusalem
Abstract:
Digital technology reduces the need or desire
for manual human labor, rather than extending
it. Thus, in many respects, machines have
replaced the craftsperson, plastic has replaced
wood, and programmable synthesizers have
replaced handmade acoustic instruments.
However, traditional craft contains valuable
knowledge and perspectives for future
development in Human Computer Interaction,
as craft is a process that embodies central
aspects of human making. The aforementioned
tension between computational reduction and
the complexity of the real world and human
skills has inspired the investigation of hybrid
territory. In his research, Amit Zoran combines
the irregular nature of the real world with
digital practice and merge the singular qualities
of non-computational media with
computational ones. Amit develops and studies
new tools that bridge digital design and
fabrication technologies with traditional
practices, and formulate the connection
between computational innovation and
cultural preservation. In this territory, digital
agency augments manual experiences for
enhanced interaction, while preserving real-
world experience and engagement. Two
examples are the Smart Handheld Tools that
simultaneously controlled by hand and
computer, and the Hybrid Designs that merges
digitally fabricated elements with other forms
of making.