Scott Hudson gave a talk at UNM that consisted of a multifaceted approach to how we should view the world and how we can make it better. The paper I chose is titled “Enabling Personal Computational Handweaving with a Low-Cost Jacquard Loom”. This paper had two major contributions 1. Software that allows the users to design woven patterns digitally and easily translate them onto fabric 2. A low cost Jacquard loom.
One facet of Scotts talk is that in X years things will just be better, maybe not twice as good but better. This paper came out early 2021. 3 years later there are cheaper looms but still not comparable in the 200 dollar price point quoted in the paper. The paper gives a strong sense that this is a big leap in the race to the bottom on price point making it more accessible to individuals and smaller studios interested in weaving.
Another piler that Scott gave was “Even more ubiquity”. The authors accomplished both of these creating a tool for hobbyists and creators. The 200$ loom is an entry level loom when compared to the commercial grade $30000 and the cheaper hobby grade near 2000-3000 based on options. Making a 200 dollar loom is amazing but adding a computer to aid in the weaving is fantastic.
The final piler that this paper fits into is the last pillar Scott gave of “going beyond colonizing the world to: making the world” The loom is majorly 3d printed and using cheap parts like a stepper motor, a Solenoid, webcam and arduino.
Overall, the paper and the plans are innovative and well-thought-out. Using cheap parts and a 3d printer for a big impact.. The paper provided valuable insights into Jacquard looms and loom technology . Tying it back to the talk, It seems the cheaper and more accessible something and even though it is niche will be better for all. And with accessibility the things will get bigger and better like Morse law.
link to paper: https://dl.acm.org/doi/10.1145/3411764.3445750