Spin Theory
02.2008-04.2008
Knowledge transfer through spinning
As a human race, we know a lot. How do we transfer this knowledge? What does knowledge transfer mean for design?
Spin theory explores these questions via the creation and evolution of 66 spinning tops.
Process:
(1) Build a spinning top
(2) Spin it, have others spin it
(3) Record all reactions, comments, ideas, and outbursts before, during, and after the spin
(4) Build the next top(s) based specifically on the reactions from the previous top
(5) Repeat, expand, map
Physical organization
Each spinning top and its comments are made into a magnetic tile and stuck to a giant magnet wall. This wall encourages multiple humans to organize and group the tops based on any number of connections. It allows for easy recognition of patterns, groups, and mappable links.
Mapping connections
Spin theory is about mapping connections. How is information translated from one spinning top to the next? I kept a careful, organic, detail-filled map during the process.
After all the tops were created, I mapped their evolution based on three rules of connectivity: iteration, inspiration, and association.
For an in-depth look at the areas I explored in this project read Between C and K (Edelman, 2008) where this project and my process are discussed in detail.
Clicking on each icon starts the movie of the top spinning. Contact me for access to the whole interface.
Snowflyzone is the home of Carissa Carter's research and design portfolio. All content is copyright 2002-2008 Carissa L. Carter. Contact carissa dot carter at gmail for more information.