2020(S09) Lecture:week 3 - Revision history

Nkuldell: /* Homework for next week's studio session */

Nkuldell — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 00:34:53 GMT

Homework for next week's studio session

←Older revision		Revision as of 00:34, 28 February 2009
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	*Communicates clearly and quickly		*Communicates clearly and quickly
	*Anthropomorphic		*Anthropomorphic
-	*Useful in some way (intended or ~~in intended~~)	+	*Useful in some way (intended or unintended)
	*Provides clear feedback		*Provides clear feedback
	*Keeps users oriented as to their current state		*Keeps users oriented as to their current state

Nkuldell: /* Challenge: The Clock of the Long Now */

Nkuldell — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 00:33:43 GMT

Challenge: The Clock of the Long Now

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	[[Image:RomaForum.png\|400px\|thumb\|center\|Ruins of the Roman Forum]]		[[Image:RomaForum.png\|400px\|thumb\|center\|Ruins of the Roman Forum]]

-	'''Instructions:''' Find your "camp-mates" from yesterday and work together to design a clock ~~according to the~~ Danny Hill's specifications. Danny called for "a clock that ticks once a year, the century hand advances once every one hundred years, and the cuckoo comes out on the millennium. I want the cuckoo to come out every millennium for the next 10,000 years." Several [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clock_of_the_Long_Now design considerations] will be important to discuss as you think about how to build a clock that will behave as expected until the year 12,~~008~~. You will have 45 minutes to address these aspects of your clock's design and documentation:	+	'''Instructions:''' Find your "camp-mates" from yesterday and work together to design a clock inspired by Danny Hill's specifications. Danny called for "a clock that ticks once a year, the century hand advances once every one hundred years, and the cuckoo comes out on the millennium. I want the cuckoo to come out every millennium for the next 10,000 years." Several [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clock_of_the_Long_Now design considerations] will be important to discuss as you think about how to build a clock that will behave as expected until the year 12,000. Your clock must only keep track of time and years. No cuckoo is needed unless you want one. You will have 45 minutes to address these aspects of your clock's design and documentation:
	# '''longevity''': how will you keep the clock working, presuming you'll have all and only the technology and materials that are available today?		# '''longevity''': how will you keep the clock working, presuming you'll have all and only the technology and materials that are available today?
	# '''maintenance''': how will your children's children's children keep this clock working? You can assume they'll be as smart but no smarter than you.		# '''maintenance''': how will your children's children's children keep this clock working? You can assume they'll be as smart but no smarter than you.
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	* from 2008: ''"I learned from this that technology can provide a wonderful varieties of possibilities, but also that nature has created a pretty elegant machine in living organisms. The best engineering solutions may be those that alter the natural system the least or at least recombine functional pieces of nature."''		* from 2008: ''"I learned from this that technology can provide a wonderful varieties of possibilities, but also that nature has created a pretty elegant machine in living organisms. The best engineering solutions may be those that alter the natural system the least or at least recombine functional pieces of nature."''
	* from 2008: ''"This activity was a lot of fun for me, although I must admit, I was intimidated by it at first. When we actually got together to design the clock, ideas were flying everywhere. At first, we all seemed to be thinking the same, which was nice to start off with."''		* from 2008: ''"This activity was a lot of fun for me, although I must admit, I was intimidated by it at first. When we actually got together to design the clock, ideas were flying everywhere. At first, we all seemed to be thinking the same, which was nice to start off with."''
		+	* from 2009: ''"We started off with a lot of ideas but eventually went for the simplest of all..."''
		+	* from 2009: ''"We decided that redundancy was the only thing that might work"''
	</div>		</div>
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Nkuldell: /* Week 3 Thursday */

Nkuldell — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 15:48:43 GMT

Week 3 Thursday

←Older revision		Revision as of 15:48, 19 February 2009
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	=<center>Week 3 Thursday</center>=		=<center>Week 3 Thursday</center>=
		+	<center>Some framing information about counting and clocks in biology is [[Media:20.20(S09) clocks.ppt\| here]]</center>
	==Challenge: <font color = blue> [http://www.longnow.org/projects/ The Clock of the Long Now]</font color>==		==Challenge: <font color = blue> [http://www.longnow.org/projects/ The Clock of the Long Now]</font color>==
	Humans have had a stable climate for about 10,000 years, let's hope for another 10,000 at least. Assuming no catastrophic events, what would you like to build now that could still be working 10,000 years from now? How could you build such a long-lasting artifact? Wisely anticipating future needs is part of it. For example carpenters in the 14th century built marvelous wooden cathedrals. At the same time, the builders knew that the beams of the structures would eventually need replacing. So, they planted trees, preparing hundreds of years ahead by providing for the future raw materials needs. What else might need to be pre-positioned to perpetuate an artifact through time? <br><br>		Humans have had a stable climate for about 10,000 years, let's hope for another 10,000 at least. Assuming no catastrophic events, what would you like to build now that could still be working 10,000 years from now? How could you build such a long-lasting artifact? Wisely anticipating future needs is part of it. For example carpenters in the 14th century built marvelous wooden cathedrals. At the same time, the builders knew that the beams of the structures would eventually need replacing. So, they planted trees, preparing hundreds of years ahead by providing for the future raw materials needs. What else might need to be pre-positioned to perpetuate an artifact through time? <br><br>

Nkuldell: /* Homework for tomorrow's challenge session */

Nkuldell — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 22:13:47 GMT

Homework for tomorrow's challenge session

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	=='''Homework''' for tomorrow's challenge session==		=='''Homework''' for tomorrow's challenge session==
	First, reconsider the challenges and opportunities that were presented in today's studio.		First, reconsider the challenges and opportunities that were presented in today's studio.
-	*	+	* Catch me if U can [[Media:1 infectiousdiseases1.pdf\| infectious disease pdf]]
-	*	+	* Growing, growing, grown [[Media:2 Growing.pdf\| proliferation pdf]]
		+	* Powering up [[Media:3 Biologically Engineered Biofuels.pdf\| biofuels for energy pdf]]
		+	* Bettering the human condition [[Media:4 Bettering the Human Condition.pdf\| human nature pdf]]
		+	* Come out swinging [[Media:5 chronic disease.pdf\| chronic disease pdf]]
		+	* Trash talkin' [[Media:6 WastePblms.pdf\| waste problems pdf]]
	Then select your 3 favorite project ideas as well as your first and second choice for a camp assignment to your counselors. Next week, you'll be assigned a team and, as a team, you'll get started on 3 ideas in your area of interest.<br>		Then select your 3 favorite project ideas as well as your first and second choice for a camp assignment to your counselors. Next week, you'll be assigned a team and, as a team, you'll get started on 3 ideas in your area of interest.<br>
	Finally, upload your choices to your "Personal Design Portfolio" in the [https://stellar.mit.edu/S/course/20/sp09/20.020/homework/index.html homework dropbox], calling your assignment: FirstInitial_LastName_PDP_5.doc, for example: <font color = red>P_Abdul_PDP_5.doc</font color> <br>		Finally, upload your choices to your "Personal Design Portfolio" in the [https://stellar.mit.edu/S/course/20/sp09/20.020/homework/index.html homework dropbox], calling your assignment: FirstInitial_LastName_PDP_5.doc, for example: <font color = red>P_Abdul_PDP_5.doc</font color> <br>

Nkuldell: /* Homework for next week's studio session */

Nkuldell — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 17:07:40 GMT

Homework for next week's studio session

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	*Provides simple controls for input		*Provides simple controls for input
	*Aligns to societal mores<br>		*Aligns to societal mores<br>
-	Now it's your turn. Please make 2 lists. The first list should be 5-10 characteristics of '''good design in biology as we find it in the natural world.''' The second list should be 5-10 characteristics of '''good design in biologically engineered technologies.''' Please upload your letter to your "Personal Design Portfolio" in the [~~http~~://~~openwetware~~.~~org~~/~~wiki~~/~~Special:DropBox the~~ homework ~~dropbox~~.], calling your assignment: FirstInitial_LastName_PDP_6.doc, for example: <font color = red>S_Jobs_PDP_6.doc</font color> <br>	+	Now it's your turn. Please make 2 lists. The first list should be 5-10 characteristics of '''good design in biology as we find it in the natural world.''' The second list should be 5-10 characteristics of '''good design in biologically engineered technologies.''' Please upload your letter to your "Personal Design Portfolio" in the [https://stellar.mit.edu/S/course/20/sp09/20.020/homework/index.html homework dropbox], calling your assignment: FirstInitial_LastName_PDP_6.doc, for example: <font color = red>S_Jobs_PDP_6.doc</font color> <br>

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Nkuldell: /* Homework for tomorrow's challenge session */

Nkuldell — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 17:06:40 GMT

Homework for tomorrow's challenge session

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	*		*
	Then select your 3 favorite project ideas as well as your first and second choice for a camp assignment to your counselors. Next week, you'll be assigned a team and, as a team, you'll get started on 3 ideas in your area of interest.<br>		Then select your 3 favorite project ideas as well as your first and second choice for a camp assignment to your counselors. Next week, you'll be assigned a team and, as a team, you'll get started on 3 ideas in your area of interest.<br>
-	Finally, upload your choices to your "Personal Design Portfolio" in the [~~http~~://~~openwetware~~.~~org~~/~~wiki~~/~~Special:DropBox the~~ homework ~~dropbox~~.], calling your assignment: FirstInitial_LastName_PDP_5.doc, for example: <font color = red>P_Abdul_PDP_5.doc</font color> <br>	+	Finally, upload your choices to your "Personal Design Portfolio" in the [https://stellar.mit.edu/S/course/20/sp09/20.020/homework/index.html homework dropbox], calling your assignment: FirstInitial_LastName_PDP_5.doc, for example: <font color = red>P_Abdul_PDP_5.doc</font color> <br>

	=<center>Week 3 Thursday</center>=		=<center>Week 3 Thursday</center>=

Nkuldell: /* Homework for next week's studio session */

Nkuldell — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 15:10:50 GMT

Homework for next week's studio session

←Older revision		Revision as of 15:10, 3 January 2009
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	<div style="padding: .4em .9em .9em">		<div style="padding: .4em .9em .9em">
	<center>'''Why are we doing this??'''</center>		<center>'''Why are we doing this??'''</center>
-	As you start to design your own projects, it's ~~critically~~ important ~~that you thinking~~ at a high level about "good design" elements. If you can articulate "what makes it great," then you should be in a ~~great~~ position to make wise decisions about project ideas, to accurately evaluate competing ideas and technologies, and to fully appreciate of what exists and what can be improved.	+	As you start to design your own projects, it's important to think at a high level about "good design" elements. If you can articulate "what makes it great," then you should be in a powerful position to make wise decisions about project ideas, to accurately evaluate competing ideas and technologies, and to fully appreciate of what exists and what can be improved.
	</div>		</div>
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Nkuldell: /* Homework for next week's studio session */

Nkuldell — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 13:09:45 GMT

Homework for next week's studio session

←Older revision		Revision as of 13:09, 3 January 2009
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	*Provides simple controls for input		*Provides simple controls for input
	*Aligns to societal mores<br>		*Aligns to societal mores<br>
-	Now it's your turn. Please make 2 lists. The first list should be 5-10 characteristics of '''good design in biology as we find it in the natural world.''' The second list should be 5-10 characteristics of '''good design in biologically engineered technologies.''' Please upload your letter to your "Personal Design Portfolio" in the [http://openwetware.org/wiki/Special:DropBox the homework dropbox.], calling your assignment: ~~FirstInitial_LastName_PDP_5~~.doc, for example: <font color = red>~~S_Jobs_PDP_5~~.doc</font color> <br>	+	Now it's your turn. Please make 2 lists. The first list should be 5-10 characteristics of '''good design in biology as we find it in the natural world.''' The second list should be 5-10 characteristics of '''good design in biologically engineered technologies.''' Please upload your letter to your "Personal Design Portfolio" in the [http://openwetware.org/wiki/Special:DropBox the homework dropbox.], calling your assignment: FirstInitial_LastName_PDP_6.doc, for example: <font color = red>S_Jobs_PDP_6.doc</font color> <br>

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Nkuldell: /* Homework for next week's studio session */

Nkuldell — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 13:04:05 GMT

Homework for next week's studio session

←Older revision		Revision as of 13:04, 3 January 2009
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	=='''Homework''' for next week's studio session==		=='''Homework''' for next week's studio session==
-	In this assignment you will address the characteristics of "good design." For instance, Joel Schindall from the Gordon Engineering Leadership Program offers these as elements of '''good product design''':	+	In this assignment you will address the characteristics of "good design." For instance, [http://lees.mit.edu/lees/schindall_j.htm\| Joel Schindall] from the Gordon Engineering Leadership Program offers these as elements of '''good product design''':
	*You know it when you see it		*You know it when you see it
	*Minimalist -- meets requirements in an efficient manner		*Minimalist -- meets requirements in an efficient manner
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	*Flexible		*Flexible
	*Combines functions to increase efficiency -- mounting bracket doubles as heat sink, etc.<br>		*Combines functions to increase efficiency -- mounting bracket doubles as heat sink, etc.<br>
-	By contrast, Blade Kotelly offers these elements of '''good software design:'''	+	By contrast, [http://www.acm.org/ubiquity/interviews/b_kotelly_2.html\| Blade Kotelly] from Endeca Technologies offers these elements of '''good software design:'''
	*Visually Clean		*Visually Clean
	*Communicates clearly and quickly		*Communicates clearly and quickly
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	*Provides simple controls for input		*Provides simple controls for input
	*Aligns to societal mores<br>		*Aligns to societal mores<br>
-	Now it's your turn. Please make 2 lists. The first list should be 5-10 characteristics of good design in biology as we find it in the natural world. The second list should be 5-10 characteristics of	+	Now it's your turn. Please make 2 lists. The first list should be 5-10 characteristics of '''good design in biology as we find it in the natural world.''' The second list should be 5-10 characteristics of '''good design in biologically engineered technologies.''' Please upload your letter to your "Personal Design Portfolio" in the [http://openwetware.org/wiki/Special:DropBox the homework dropbox.], calling your assignment: FirstInitial_LastName_PDP_5.doc, for example: <font color = red>S_Jobs_PDP_5.doc</font color> <br>
-		+
-		+

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	<div style="padding: .4em .9em .9em">		<div style="padding: .4em .9em .9em">
	<center>'''Why are we doing this??'''</center>		<center>'''Why are we doing this??'''</center>
-	~~Thinking~~ at a high level about "good design" elements ~~will help with your~~ decisions about project ideas.	+	As you start to design your own projects, it's critically important that you thinking at a high level about "good design" elements. If you can articulate "what makes it great," then you should be in a great position to make wise decisions about project ideas, to accurately evaluate competing ideas and technologies, and to fully appreciate of what exists and what can be improved.
	</div>		</div>
	\|}		\|}

Nkuldell at 12:39, 3 January 2009

Nkuldell — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 12:39:32 GMT

←Older revision		Revision as of 12:39, 3 January 2009
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-	==~~Follow-up homework~~==	+	=='''Homework''' for next week's studio session==
-	In this assignment you will address ~~a challenge from NASA's website, namely,~~ "~~if you could toss a bottle out into space~~, ~~what message would~~ you ~~seal into~~ it ~~for anyone~~ -- ~~or any thing~~ -- ~~to open some day far away from our solar system?~~" ~~This challenge was addressed more than 25 years ago when NASA's two Voyager spacecraft launched. Both Voyager 1 and Voyager 2 carried~~ "~~Golden Records" with messages~~ to ~~inform other beings about earth.~~	+	In this assignment you will address the characteristics of "good design." For instance, Joel Schindall from the Gordon Engineering Leadership Program offers these as elements of '''good product design''':
-	*First, visit the [http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/multimedia/voyager_record/index.cfm NASA site] that presents some contents of the Voyager Golden Records. Evaluate what was included. What was perfect? What was silly? What isn't relevant anymore? What seems misguided? What might be open to misinterpretation? Be sure to offer your favorite element on the record and your least favorite and say why.	+	*You know it when you see it
-	*~~Second~~, ~~make your own Golden Record. You should consider what content you would include in a message for our intergalactic friends~~.	+	*Minimalist -- meets requirements in an efficient manner
-	~~This assignment has two parts but you should~~ '''~~spend no more than one hour completing~~''' ~~both.<br>~~	+	*Wow factor -- leaps out at you
-	~~If you have the time~~ and ~~interest you might want~~ to ~~look at the [http://science.slashdot.org/article.pl?sid=07/09/01/2316208 antique hardware] being maintained for the sole purpose~~ of ~~communicating~~ with ~~the Voyager space crafts. Does this make you rethink any aspects of your clock~~ for ~~the long now?~~<br>	+	*Robust -- failure-resistant
-	~~Your assignment~~ should be ~~posted before~~ the ~~next lecture to the lecture response log that's~~	+	*"Anticipatory" -- easily modified to overcome unanticipated problems (this is subtle but important)
-	~~[https~~:~~//stellar~~.~~mit~~.~~edu/S/course/20/sp08/20~~.~~020~~/~~homework/ here~~.]	+	*Adaptable
		+	*Expandable
		+	*Flexible
		+	*Combines functions to increase efficiency -- mounting bracket doubles as heat sink, etc.<br>
		+	By contrast, Blade Kotelly offers these elements of '''good software design:'''
		+	*Visually Clean
		+	*Communicates clearly and quickly
		+	*Anthropomorphic
		+	*Useful in some way (intended or in intended)
		+	*Provides clear feedback
		+	*Keeps users oriented as to their current state
		+	*Maintains locus of control with user
		+	*Emotionally compelling
		+	*Provides simple controls for input
		+	*Aligns to societal mores<br>
		+	Now it's your turn. Please make 2 lists. The first list should be 5-10 characteristics of good design in biology as we find it in the natural world. The second list should be 5-10 characteristics of
		+
		+
		+
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		+	\|- valign="top"
		+	\|width="670px" class="MainPageBG" style="border: 1px solid #336600; color: #000; background-color: #FFFFFF"\|
		+	<div style="padding: .4em .9em .9em">
		+	<center>'''Why are we doing this??'''</center>
		+	Thinking at a high level about "good design" elements will help with your decisions about project ideas.
		+	</div>
		+	\|}