Drawing the electric

Abstract

This thesis explores the intersection of craft and electronics by way of paper and conductive ink, a domain that I'm terming papercraft electronics-a synthesis of electronics, drawing, and painting. I investigate the nature of making a physical electronic artifact, and the ways in which that making informs our relationship with both the artifact, specifically, as well as technology writ large. I examine craft-the manual process-as a means for embedding new kinds of personally-significant meaning in electronics, re-positioning electronics fabrication as the creation of personal, unique, hand-crafted artifacts. I do so through a series of case studies oriented around the papercraft electronics domain. Through a sequence of projects, workshops, and evaluations, I examine the personal connection and pride that comes with making, as well as the handmade artifact's place in technology. In particular, I initiate projects around the making of paper sensors, speakers, synthesizers, and audio-augmented artworks.