In this seminar we examine notion of the interfaces. The seminar begins with a theoretical and historical derivation of the term interface, which is introduced with the development of computer technology in the 1960s. In a second lecture, the power structures that inscribe themselves into the definitions and standards of interfaces will be addressed. On the one hand, we critically examine the figure of the “user” and the associated standardization of actually heterogeneous and diverse groups. On the other hand, we deal with strategies and techniques of appropriation and misappropriation of technology, such as circuit bending and hacking.
In the applied part of the seminar, the students build and solder their own electronic interfaces based on changes in capacities and resistances. These interfaces are characterized by openness, they can be touched directly or be combined with pencils and drawing. Any material with variable resistance becomes an interface. With the Arduino platform we connect these devices to the computer and link them to generative audio-visual programming in the Processing programming environment. The practical part is meant to be a lustful exploration and experimentation of electronics and programming.