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Mine the Scrap is a data driven process that designs new structures algorithmically generated from existing scrap. Using computer vision and construction automation, the project address’s the pressing need to convert waste into resource.

The project transforms irregular, non-uniform stocks of construction scrap into new forms, finding beauty and intricacy in neglected waste. Instead of pulverizing and chemically aggregating these disparate scraps in energy-intensive processes, Mine the Scrap finds the unique best use of each piece in a new structure through a process of scanning and classification. Combining the logic of the quilt with customized shape and pattern detection, Mine the Scrap scans the material and generates an inventory of different forms.


Role: Concept, UI/UX, Video Storyboarding, Video Filming, Actor, Video Editing, Animation, Video Production
Date: 2016
Client: Certain Measures
Team: Tobias Nolte, Andrew Witt, Mike Degen
Website : http://certainmeasures.com/mts_software.html
Exhibition Venues : ARS Electronica: Human Factor - Endless Prototyping

PRODUCT USERS

RESEARCH INSIGHT

“ I am worried that this process will take away from my design and instead provide a random and misinformed output.”

PROJECT GOAL

How can we provide a solution that allows designers to utilize scrap but maintain the integrity of their designs ?

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 VISUALS / FINAL

MODEL PROTOTYPES

Model A

Model B

Model C

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 USER INTERFACE

CURRENT INTERFACE

Panel Properties

Five categories that were most relevant to the user and design of these structures emerged and the control interface was built around it.
Import. Scan. Tune. Build. Save.

Visual Window

One of the most useful parts of this interface was the model view - as you scanned pieces in it would generated texture maps which would be applied to the model as it subdivided, this gave the user a better simulation of what the ending structure would look like.

Database

The database Panel acted as a collection of all the scanned pieces as well as a display of relevant Scrap statistics. They also would be sorted and highlighted based on their use in the model.

INTERFACE DEVELOPMENT FEEDBACK

INTERFACE DEVELOPMENT PROTOTYPES

Scan

Design

Build

INTERFACE DEVELOPMENT WIREFRAMES / MOCKUPS

INITIAL USER FLOW

The initial user flow concepts were very sequential and linear similar to a construction or architecture project.

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 USER EXPERIENCE

USER JOURNEY

UX RESEARCH

Collecting

Scanning

Structure

Optimizing

Fabricating

Assembly

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 DISCOVERY PHASE

Existing Spatial Recognition Tech

The client contained a series of shape recognition technology that was originally used for buildings but wanted to utilize it in a different context

Waste Is A Big Problem In The U.S.

Through a series of different brainstorms and discussions, the team decided to go down the path of waste. It was quickly realized there was big potential in lumber contruction and reuse.

As Well As In Europe

These graphs show that despite the increase in regulations, we can see high landfill rates and low recycling rates across 32 countries in Europe.

Creating From What You Have

A main goal was that we wanted to create  an inversion of the typical design and construction work flow. Instead of making a design and saying “What do I need to construct this?”, you say “These are the materials I have, what can I build with it ?”

Utilizing Technology In Scrap

A key aspect of the project would be that our users needed to reuse instead of recycle. We needed to avoid complex machinery, extreme energy uses, and limited designs. We concluded that applying certain technology allowed us to maintain the shapes complexity as is and use less energy since we didn't need to compress into square boards.