Tiles that Talk: Tangible Templates for Networked Objects

Abstract

Fine art and design students face a novel set of challenges when asked to realize their creative vision with code-based projects. In this paper, we discuss the development of a system of tangible tiles and integrated software code factory that is intended to help students build bridges of understanding between proposed interactive and networked experiences and the required computer syntax, software libraries and hardware that animate those proposals. Our tiles help students see relationships between artistic concept and programmatic code by giving them intuitive tools that can be directly manipulated.