Democratizing the Production of Interactive Hardware
The development of new hardware can be split into two phases: prototyping and production. A wide variety of tools and techniques have empowered people to build prototypes during the first phase, but the transition to production is still complex, costly and prone to failure. This means the second phase often requires an up-front commitment to large volume production in order to be viable.
I believe that new tools and techniques can democratize hardware production. Imagine “DevOps for hardware” – everything from circuit simulation tools to re-usable hardware test jig designs; and from test-driven development for hardware to telepresence for remote factory visits. Supporting low volume production and organic scaling in this way would spur innovation and increase consumer choice. I encourage the UIST community to join me in pursuit of this vision.
UIST 2020 Visions Talks – Steve Hodges: Democratizing the Production of Interactive Hardware
UIST Visions Talks 2020 was chaired by Ken Perlin, New York University THE IMPORTANCE OF INTERACTIVE HARDWARE Whether it is intentional user interaction, continuous context or environmental sensing, or situated information display, we are dependent on interactive hardware to provide the vital connection between our ever-expanding networked computer systems and the real world. Indeed, as the “internet of things” computing paradigm becomes established, many predict a dramatic growth in the number and type of these interactive devices. A key factor in this growth is the ability of research communities like UIST to explore new device forms and functions, with the ultimate aim of unlocking new capabilities and experiences. TWO PHASES OF HARDWARE DEVELOPMENT The development of new interactive hardware can be split into two phases.…