August 27, 2008

Gabe Johnson

FlatCAD and FlatLang: Kits by Code

Abstract

FlatCAD allows people to design and manufacture physical constructions by programming in a domain-specific language called FlatLang. While traditional design systems provide a set of structured editing operations, FlatCAD is entirely controlled by user programming. Writing code affords an effective method of expressing design intent in many circumstances. This talk discusses many features of the FlatLang programming language, gives examples of what FlatCAD has been used to create. Last I will compare several modes of expressing design intent, including programming, mouse-based structured editing, and freehand sketching.

Bio:

Gabe Johnson was a computer science major at the University of Colorado and spent several years as an undergraduate research apprentice at the Center for LifeLong Learning and Design. He was a software engineer at ReadyTalk for three years before joining the PhD program in Computational Design at Carnegie Mellon University. He is currently writing his thesis proposal on the role of freehand sketching during the finishing phases of design.

Return to L3D Calendar Page