Not everyone has the ability to draw well and many require the assistance of rulers and other devices to help them achieve a level or artistry that would be considered adequate. A new device called the dePENd hopes to make true artists out of people that have no ability in this creative department. The experimental product is a surface that utilizes magnets to make the user create perfect designs.
The device has a sample video by DigInfo that show cases how it works. Developed by researchers working at the Yasuaki Kakehi Lab in Keio University, the Japanese device uses a simple concept. There is a magnet underneath the surface that is controlled through a computer. The magnet will drag the writing or drawing implement at the surface along with it as it forms exact shapes and designs. The metal tip of the drawing implement is kept drawn to the magnet and the rest is done by the user. However, there is a balance between the magnet and human hand that is perfected with practice.
The prototype that is being displayed right now will easily work with a ball point pen but the user must start drawing at the center point of the grid below in which the magnet rests. However, this is not required with a digital pen because the magnet adjusts to the location of the pen automatically.
The tool cannot replace natural artists or their ability but it can be used to create and train artists. As a teaching tool it can allow users to remotely help students and letting them learn by “feeling the sensation of how a teacher draws.”
Source: Fast Company
Image: Fast Company
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