Week 02 Digital Bodies¶

1. Introduction¶

In the beginning, technology was simply a tool that helped people get things done faster and more easily. Over time, it has become more than just something we use; it has become an important part of how we communicate, learn, work, and go about our daily lives. Then came the internet, opening up a new space for interaction, and with the appearance of social media, people became able not only to consume content but also to share their thoughts, photos, and experiences with others.

This image taken from source

Little by little, this digital world began to become more deeply embedded in our lives. We can now be present in places where our physical bodies are not, and we can choose how we appear to others and how we present ourselves through the photos, information, and content we share. However, the impact of technology does not appear to be the same for everyone; research indicates that the way it is used, the context, and the type of interaction can be important factors in determining this impact.

This is where our relationship with technology began to change from simply using a tool to creating a new kind of presence. People no longer exist solely in the physical world through their bodies; they now also have a presence, an image, and a representation within the digital world. This led me to ask:

What happens to a person when technology becomes part of the way they see themselves, present themselves, and interact with others?

2. Research & References¶

Over time, the digital image has become closely linked to a person’s identity and how they view themselves. The interaction a person receives from others—such as likes, comments, and shares—can become part of their experience on the platform and influence how they choose to present themselves. Furthermore, constant exposure to others’ images and experiences may lead people to compare themselves to others—whether in terms of appearance, lifestyle, or achievements. Research indicates that these effects are not the same for everyone; rather, they vary depending on how social media is used, the type of content, and the individual’s social context. For me, the question is no longer just how we use technology. but also how technology has begun to influence the way we see ourselves and present ourselves to others. This is where the idea came from to combine the human face and the smartphone in the sculpture, so that the face represents physical and human identity, while the phone represents digital identity and the space through which a person is now present in the digital world.

This image taken from source

3. My WorkFlow¶

Introduction¶

In last week's lecture, I learned about the concept of “Digital Bodies” and how to design 3D models using software such as Blender and others. I decided to try out most of the methods mentioned and use the face as the basis for my design:

This image credited by Fabricademy

Laser Cut:¶

Step 1: Create Design¶

At first, I decided to focus on the head and face because they are the most important elements of the assignment, and I used artificial intelligence to merge my photo with the reference image I used.

This image taken as reference from Pinterest

My Image

The result I got is: This image created by Gemini

After that, I used Blender to design it and convert it into a 3D model. This image shows the design process and the export as STL.

Step 2: Converting the design into layers¶

In this step, I used Slicer for Fusion 360 to convert my design into layers so I could cut it using a laser cutter. These are the steps I followed:

Step 3: Preparing the file for cutting by Laser Cutter Machine¶

In this process, I used Rhino to prepare the design for cutting with a laser cutter by using red colors for the cut (the machine is from Trotec). These are screenshots of the process, starting with Rhino, then Trotec, and finally the cutting process:

Step 4: Manufacturing and Assembly Phase:¶

In this stage, after cutting with the laser cutter, I assembled the pieces using wood glue. Here are photos of the process:

3D Printing¶

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Caption for the left image

Caption for the right image

• Download references Links to online reference files, PDF, booklets

• or embed your own PDF as:

• Video references: Vimeo (only when not yours)

Sound Waves from George Gally (Radarboy) on Vimeo.

• Video references: Youtube (only when not yours)

3. Tools¶

4. Process and workflow¶

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4.1 Step 1¶

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4.2 Step 2¶

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4.3 Step 3¶

...

5. Results¶

5.1 3D Models¶

upload DOWNLOADABLE 3d models of your files such as MakeHuman, Final 3d modelled body, 3D Scans, etc. Make sure to make them DOWNLOADABLE.

6. Weekly reflection & critical thinking¶

• What did I learn? What did I personally find interesting or surprised me?
• What would I do differently? If something "failed" do I know how else to tackle it now?"
• How does this connect to my final project or my learning trajectory?
• What are implications and possible applications, think also from the ethical or environmental aspect, how it could connect to your practice and project?

7. Fabrication files & References¶