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At Spatial Dynamics, the mantra "work hard, play hard" is more than just a saying—it's a vital part of our culture. Our office, conveniently located opposite the Harvard Graduate School of Design, is a dynamic maker space where we also host design parties. These events draw creatives from the Harvard and MIT communities, fostering discussions about art, technology, and design.
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At one of our first design parties, our friend Lingdong from MIT Media Lab was deeply engrossed in PCB design amidst a bustling crowd. His passion and dedication captivated a small group of onlookers, who gathered around him, some even cheering him on. This moment was a source of inspiration for our future design parties, where we plan to feature student projects and demos for attendees to interact with. We realized that these gatherings are perfect for displaying interactive projects, allowing participants to engage hands-on—an opportunity a traditional gallery setting can’t match.
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First Thematic Party: Arcade Party
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Our first thematic party was called "Arcade Party," and it showcased an exciting mix of fun, student-created projects from the semester. These ranged from quirky one-dimensional games to innovative ChatGPT-powered devices, all born from the resources and equipment of the Spatial Dynamics studio. Here's a snapshot of the featured projects:
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Most projects at the Arcade Party were creations from the "Design Studio Interaction Intelligence" course, led by Marcelo Coelho. This class challenged students with two project prompts: design a one-dimensional game with physical controllers, and create a physical interface for ChatGPT.
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We welcomed friends, classmates from Harvard and MIT, studio clients, and even faculty members, all sharing a deep interest in technology design. There were several benefits of presenting projects in a casual atmosphere. Critics were candid in their feedback, allowing creators to receive direct, personalized opinions. Also, the laid-back environment fostered stress-free communication and relationship-building among presenters. Moreover, the blend of project interaction and conversations with fellow enthusiasts sparked deeper discussions about processes, technologies, and techniques.
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The Arcade Party successfully merged academic rigor with the relaxed vibe of a house party. It set a precedent for future Spatial Dynamics design parties, balancing educational value with social enjoyment.
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