LegoLoom Part 2: Existing Work
After thinking for a bit about a mechanical device that computes a fake punched card for the 1800s Jaquard loom, I figured it appropriate to first look at mechanical logic done with Legos. Fortunately, some enterprising people have already created…
LegoLoom Part 1: Background
The other weekend I experience the pleasure and fascination of visiting the Antique Gas and Steam Engine Museum. While there, my friend and I perused the loom room Weaver’s Barn. At first, I’m shocked that people spend time weaving, as…
OpenHardware Keyboarding
Looks like some individuals have had nearly the same thoughts as I have on the state of keyboards. The progress looks good. Key64 has some good prototype hardware. The keyboard is short on keys and compensates by having layers bound…
The Chording Keyboard
In the past I wanted to have a keyboard, split between both hands, with keys in rows shaped according to how my fingers are able to move. It seems that, as far as recording human speech is concerned, syllable-based chording…
Decentralizing the Internet
It’s been around for awhile (since 2006), but I didn’t read about netsukuku until now. Apparently, in tech, all it takes is for one committed individual to dedicate a month or so to plan and implement some wonderful new system….
Cognition and Linguistics
I see the study and development of computer languages as two sides of the same coin. A computer language should enable the programmer to express, clearly and concisely, an algorithmic intent. It should not burden the programmer with a particular…
Keyboard Kraziness
Again, I spent far too much time looking at different keyboards. This time around, however, I can see that some people are progressing toward my latest ideal: The multi-touch surface with re-configurable keys. Mostly, I want to record all the…
Tricks of the Trade
Today, Howard Rheingold was searching for examples of clear posts in which to use as examples of online communication. One of the respondents identified a really good series set of descriptions answering the question, What is it like to have…
A Configurable Keyboard
For a long time, I have hated the layout on all keyboards I’ve ever laid hands on. It’s not just that I prefer Dvorak to Qwerty; it’s that the slanting of the rows causes an awkward bending of the left…