Hybrid design tools - making of a digitally augmented blackboard

TL;DR

This paper presents a proof of concept for a digitally augmented blackboard that captures, processes, and projects images in real time, enhancing design education and mediating technology's role in teaching.

Contribution

It introduces a hybrid digital-analog blackboard system that supports real-time image projection for design and architecture education.

Findings

Enables real-time image capturing and projection on blackboards.

Supports improved visual expression in design teaching.

Potential to mediate students' and teachers' attitudes towards technology.

Abstract

The way that design is being taught is continuously changing under the pressure of the transition from analogical to digital environments. This becomes even more important as the novelty and the alleged superiority of the digital world is used as a marketing tool by competing universities. Even though in some fields of application this approach is desirable, some particular aspects of teaching design and architecture make this transition debatable. The advantages of drawing on blackboards over drawing on whiteboard surfaces in regards of line aesthetic and expression possibilities were previously identified, along with the complementary necessary features for improvement. This study showcases a proof of concept in digitally augmenting a blackboard surface. The system allows the capturing, processing and making real time projections of images over the blackboard surface as trace references. Such a hybrid system, along with providing support for design and architecture related presentations and discussions could also mediate the contradictory relation towards technology that students and teachers have.