Design of a Mechanically Divinatory I Ching Split-Flap Display Device

Abstract

This project centered around the design and modeling of a mechanical split-flap display device with anthropological applications in connections to the I Ching, an ancient Chinese divination technique. The device was designed to be an interactive mechanical system to introduce new perspective on different areas of the user’s life.

The ambition of this project was to create a device to breach the conceived boundaries between the mind and the material through deeply human-centered design at the human machine interface. This project served as an experiment in incorporating interdisciplinary perspectives of engineering, design, art, and anthropology to engineer an aesthetically rich, mechanically interesting, and immersive human experience.

This work followed a mechanical engineering design process including brainstorming technological solutions, prototyping, and creating a full computer-aided model designed for ease of future manufacturing and production.