University of Sussex
Browse
4S 2017 ICT Happiness FINAL.pdf (15.46 MB)

Digital fabrication and wellbeing, human agency in post-automation: an analysis into the appropriation of digital design and fabrication technologies by crafters and coders in non- industrial settings

Download (15.46 MB)
presentation
posted on 2023-06-09, 13:25 authored by Cian O'Donovan
Craft's relationship with industrial design, production and manufacturing seems to be coming full circle. Where once craft was the refuge of pr oductive skills lost to industrialisation, recent innovations in distributed digita l fabrication technologies hav e contributed to a rise in small batch production, and a decline or devaluing of the homogenous, ma ss produced — indicating new craft relations and sensibilities between designers, producers, consumers and things (Cardoso, 2010). Digital design and fabrication technologies, and their non-industrial use in community settings such as hackerspaces and makerspaces attract considerable attention in this regard and offer a site for empirical research. Enthusiasts celebrate a widening appropriation of tools such CAD/CAM, 3D printers, laser cutters and routers. Yet it is curious how technologies that deskilled machinists and damaged worker c ommunities in the past, are now celebrated as equipping m akers with new skills and capabilities. Perhaps the real picture is somewhat ambiguous?

Funding

Responsible Innovation and Happiness: A New Approach to the Effect of ICTs; G1889; UNIVERSITY OF OSLO; 170100 - Happy ICT

History

Publication status

  • Published

File Version

  • Published version

Presentation Type

  • paper

Event name

Annual Meeting of the Society for Social Studies of Science (4S)

Event location

Boston, Massachusetts

Event type

conference

Event date

30th August to 2nd September 2017

Place of publication

Boston

Department affiliated with

  • SPRU - Science Policy Research Unit Publications

Research groups affiliated with

  • Future of Work Hub Publications

Full text available

  • Yes

Peer reviewed?

  • No

Legacy Posted Date

2018-05-22

Usage metrics

    University of Sussex (Publications)

    Categories

    No categories selected

    Exports

    RefWorks
    BibTeX
    Ref. manager
    Endnote
    DataCite
    NLM
    DC