“ Moreover, the digital was born out of textiles: computers emerging from looms, punch cards used for data storage both for computers and knitting machines, fiber-based metaphors of webs and screens infusing the language of technology that has come so far it has forgotten its roots.”
Visconti, A. Dombrowski, Q., & Berger, C. (2024). #DHmakes: Baking Craft into DH Discourse. Korean Journal of Digital Humanities, 1(1), 73-108, https://doi.org/10.23287/KJDH.2024.1.1.5
This passage immediately grabbed my attention because it unveiled a profound historical bond between textile crafts and the digital world—two realms I once regarded as almost entirely separate. For a long time, I assumed that “digital” was inherently more convenient and advanced than most “physical” forms. In my studies in computer science and mathematics, my work has always leaned towards intangible elements: lines of code, data, and abstractions that exist behind a screen. However, reading this quote made me realize that the physical and the digital aren’t just occasionally compatible; they are deeply intertwined. It also highlighted the immense potential in representing our digital outputs tangibly, grounding them in materiality to reconnect with the craft behind them.
My personal background plays a significant role in why these words resonated so deeply with me. Although I major in both computer science and mathematics, I’ve also been a longtime enthusiast of embroidery and knitting—activities I previously viewed as “traditional” or “old-fashioned.” This passage prompted me to reconsider how these “traditional” crafts might intersect with “modern” CS work. It’s been exciting to imagine not just building a simple 3D model of a needlepoint piece, but also designing online collaborative platforms that allow people to create digital craft designs and eventually 3D-print them into physical forms. By merging these interests, I see new ways to preserve physical objects alongside digital workflows, which feels both meaningful and full of creative possibilities.
Under the broad umbrella of Digital (Arts &) Humanities, I’m particularly eager to explore methods that transform digital data into physical forms, such as more advanced data visualization techniques this term. I’ve dabbled in visualizing numbers and patterns before, but I want to move beyond simple bar charts or line graphs. I’d like to learn how to turn data into evocative experiences—whether through 3D printing or intricate infographics. Bringing a physical dimension to data not only enhances its accessibility but also bridges the gap between digital abstraction and embodied, material engagement. Ultimately, I hope to explore new ways of making research both visually compelling and sustainably preserved.
