Creating objects always involves some kind of tool: it used to be blades and drills, either manually or automatically powered. Nowadays it is more likely computer-controlled lasers, lathes and printers. Until now these machines have been controlled through static programs, which needed updating every so often, to accommodate increasing demands and developing materials. And until now the people developing and maintaining these programs have been working independently and separate from the end-users: the designers and manufacturers. The limitations of these ‘old’ drafting programs have proven to be catalysts for a change in the research world: as programs are used by a wider range of creative people, ease-of-use is not just a pleasant side-effect, it is a necessity. Programs like Shapeshifter have acknowledged this by creating simple-to-use controls, enabling an intuitive approach to designing a new object. But, the limitations of these programs again, is their static nature, which does not take into account the designers’ individual style. For students – experimenting and trying to find their own unique style and visual language – this can prove difficult to navigate creatively.

As the tools are changing, awareness is increasing to the need for collaboration between designers and program creators to achieve meaningful personally relevant results.