Challenge 1 Reflection

Marcel Maslyk | 1966642 | 16-03-2025

Background

I came into this project with no substantial knowledge and very limited skill in Processing. I have coded very basic and rudimentary programs using JavaScript in the past, though I wouldn't be able to reproduce them at the start of this project. Before this course, in Q2, I have learned how to program using Python in a very linear approach (no void loops), but mostly applying mathematical transformations to data and displaying it. All this to say that at the start of this project I had no good understanding of the knowledge necessary to code in JavaScript , but I did have a grasp on the basic skills that overlap with Python and the basic flow of code.

Something I did come with is a vision of what I wanted to make; and an open-minded attitude to explore how I could get to that point, and beyond. After seeing the Recursive Tree example code by Daniel Shiffman on the Processing.org wiki I got inspired to make something using fractals and recursive code. I also got inspired by the growth of snowflakes, and how fractal patterns appear in nature.

Figure 1, an image showing snowflakes. Credit: Cepreй Бypбoha/Getty Images.

Something that also inspired me to create is the beautiful work by Alfonso Peduto, whom I referred to in my background PDF in the challenge. Both the music and album covers served as one of my main inspirations for this challenge. Peduto's album covers are visible on this website.

Learning and Challenge process

My learning mostly came from two areas: The Coding Train YouTube channel, and example codes on the Processing.org wiki like discussed before. I also followed lectures though in my eyes I got more use out of the aforementioned sources in this challenge specifically.

• The Coding Train served to introduce me to the way Processing works, what it can and can't do, and how I can start off creating very basic sketches. I watched the 5 hour full course during a road trip to gain a better understanding and feeling for what I can do with the code.
• Code Examples showed me how to move beyond basic examples and apply functions in a more complex and sophisticated manner.

What I mostly focused on during my process is creative exploration. My main purpose is to use code as a tool for exploration and expression. This to me is the difference between coding as a computer scientist, and coding as a designer. The latter of which I am aiming for. My plan for this challenge was quite straightforward:

1. Create a basic sketch using Daniel Shiffman's code as a basis to understand the flow and iterate. (Start!)
2. Explore the code, add variables, make it more complex by iteration. (Diverge!)
3. Tidy the code and make it readable again, remove parts that I don't like or don't consider reflective of my vision. (Converge!)
4. Explore again by looking at the output and adding things I think would make the output even better. (Diverge again!)
5. Tidy down the code and finalize the output. (Converge again!)

By design, I wanted my process to follow the Double Diamond process, which is a design strategy I have been learning and applying throughout my first year at Industrial Design. I saw this challenge as an excellent way to apply my knowledge and refine this design strategy. To showcase this process I have exported an additional image with outputs at every stage; please check out the zip-folder of challenge 1 if interested.

Beyond the Challenge

I have learned things during the challenge that are applicable beyond the scope of this course and into the future of my design education and professional life. First and foremost this challenge has pushed me to view and understand code as a medium for creativity, and not just a tool to make something creative work. This is one of my key personal goals in PI&V: exploring media and tools from a creative perspective. Something that also served well is the application of design strategies, the Double Diamond process discussed earlier plays a big part in current and future projects. Documenting my process and reflecting on it is a valuable skill that I am still trying to learn through challenges and projects like this. Every new experience allows me to improve my skills and reflect on it.