able., MFA Thesis Project, 2021

able. (Augmented Bench Learning Experiences) is a collection of physical and digital tools for remote novice electronics makers, using a mobile device. 

Conceived during COVID-19 after interviews and research into maker communities, this project aims to address the challenges facing makerspaces and communities of practice. Using as many readily available and cost effective elements as possible, this project proposes ways to bridge challenges in remote guidance, self-guided learning, and accessibility.

Designing for a hands-free, mobile and web-centric workbench, able. consists of a toolkit of modular components that allow young makers to adapt to their home environment: multiple AR markers that display dynamic content and keep their state; dynamic AR displays that reflect the state of their prototyping board; a mirror attachment and a guided laser pointer that facilitates sharing and guidance on video calls.

Advisors: Katherine Moriwaki, Andrew Zornoza, Aya Karpinska, Louisa Campbell

Augmented reality Design & Development, Research