Physicalizing Loops

Video

In this pictorial, we followed a Research through Design (RtD) inquiry where we explored the concept of loops as a design material. Using an Ethnographic design methodology, we aimed to create artifacts that represent the ways in which content can be repeated, distorted and modified in loops. Our process consisted firstly of the practice of noticing loops in everyday life. This led us to curate a portfolio of loops’ occurrences in objects and living organisms from our surroundings. Secondly, we organized the loops that we noticed in a typology and created a score that instantiates such a variety of loops. Finally, we followed the score to produce 1. knitting work, 2. woodwork, 3. lino printing, and 4. dance performances as art-based physicalizations of different instances of loops. Our study of loops uncovers a designerly way to reflect on a daily phenomenon (loops) through making physical artifacts and dancing.