Title:	THE STRINGPRINTER: FIRST STEPS TOWARD CHILD-FRIENDLY FABRICATION DEVICES
Author(s):	Kyle Ludwig, Nwanua Elumeze, Michael Eisenberg
ISBN:	978-972-8939-28-1
Editors:	Kinshuk, Demetrios G Sampson, J. Michael Spector, Pedro Isaías, Dirk Ifenthaler, Radu Vasiu
Year:	2010
Edition:	Single
Keywords:	StringPrinter, computer-controlled fabrication, children's crafts
Type:	Reflection Paper
First Page:	300
Last Page:	302
Language:	English
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Full Contents:	click to dowload
Paper Abstract:	Computer-controlled fabrication–the design and "printing" of tangible, physical objects–has seen an explosion of interest and excitement in the past several years. Three-dimensional printers, laser cutters, paper-cutting devices, computer-controlled sewing machines, milling machines, and the like have become increasingly affordable, and now permit users to create a remarkable range of physical objects in a wide array of materials. At the same time, this "explosion" has thus far largely ignored the remarkable potential of physical production and fabrication by children. Children's crafts–the landscape of activities and materials that have traditionally been associated with educational construction–represent fertile ground for experimentation with novel, innovative computer-controlled fabrication devices and materials. This paper describes one such prototype device, StringPrinter, designed for creating custom-decorated lengths of yarn and string for children's craft projects. StringPrinter represents one (still-early) step in a much broader research agenda of creating fabrication hardware, software, and web-based systems for use by children. We describe the design and operation of the StringPrinter device, and use this early discussion as a foundation for exploring much broader questions in the enhancement of children's craft activities.
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