Creative Computation with Processing

Dianna Xu and Deepak KumarDepartment of Computer Science

Bryn Mawr College

Concepts

• NSF funded joint project with SMU (Southern Methodist University)

• Generative art -- produced by algorithms and programming

• Data visualization

• Students keep portfolios, critique each other and hold class exhibits

• Creativity is the focus of the class

Processing

• Built on top of Java, with a simplified language syntax and reduced API that concentrated on graphics/media programming

• Designed for the construction of 2D and 3D visual forms – has a very flat learning curve

• Well suited for rapid prototyping required in dynamic visual work

• Fully integrated in Java so that transitioning to CS2 in Java is straight-forward

Results

• 10% of Bryn Mawr undergraduate students take Introduction to Computer Science annually.

• Can easily be twice as many if staffing allowed.• SMU - a more traditional school of

engineering – is creating an entire curriculum in Creative Computation, including a new major/minor and a graduate program.

Student Work (1st week Spring 2012)