Algorithmic Design

Overview /

Python programming in Rhino/Grasshopper to create general keyboards. I wanted to create a way to generate hundreds of keyboards.

The Process /

I began by asking the question - how does the user approach keyboards? How do keys relate to one another?

Step 1 — Identify the parameters — what is important to incorporate when designing a keyboard?
Step 2 — Input parameters include key size - width and length, the angle of each key for manufacturing, the overall length of the keyboard, the number of keys per row, the spacing between each key.
Step 3 — Once I defined the parameters I was able to begin coding.

/ this method allows for hundreds of keyboards to be automated.

Approaching a problem from an algorithmic perspective

One of the most challenging components of this project was defining a set of rules. I had to really ask myself the question — how do i uncover the defining characteristics of a keyboard? Once I defined a set of rules/ created an algorithm I was able to create many types and variations of keys.

Script parameters compile keyboard variations —