About this project
DesignBlocks is an open-source, web-based visual programming language that makes it easy to control lines, shapes, colors and images to create generative and interactive artworks. It uses the same visual grammar as the Scratch programming language, but has a vocabulary more suited for visual art and design. Inspired by Processing, DesignBlocks aims to make programming more accessible to artists and visually-minded people. This programming environment invites people to try commands and tinker with concepts to make programming more intuitive and discoverable, without relying on obscure syntax or discouraging error messages. The programs can then be shared and viewed through the public DesignBlocks website. With supplemental documentation and teaching materials, DesignBlocks can also be used to explore programming in an educational setting.
Visual programming in DesignBlocks
DesignBlocks has already been prototyped in Flash ActionScript and tested by a handful of artists and educators. However, in order for DesignBlocks to become more robust and complete, it needs more features, plenty of bug fixes and it needs to be ported to JavaScript/HTML5 (for mobile access). This summer, I'd like to work on DesignBlocks to get it to a suitable state for widespread testing. There are some teachers already planning to use DesignBlocks in their classrooms this fall, and I'd like to get this new version ready for them and also make it more widely available.
- Port the current application and website over to JavaScript/HTML5
- Fix current bugs
- Add SVG output
- Test on portable Internet tablets that support HTML5
- Add a better commenting system to the website
- Make an offline version available for users without Internet access
- Create a forum for users to connect and support each other
- Begin user testing and collecting feedback
- Publish the source code under the GPL license
- Add a Spanish translation
- Update the support documentation
- Support test users over email
- Continue testing and collecting user feedback
Advisors: Casey Reas and Andrés Monroy-Hernández
Thank you for your interest in DesignBlocks!
FAQ
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111
Backers
$3,000
pledged of $5,500 goal
0
seconds to go
Funding Unsuccessful
This project reached the deadline without achieving its funding goal on June 5, 2011.
Pledge $5 or more Pledge $5 or more
Get mentioned as a backer on the DesignBlocks site and receive an invite to the closed beta for testing
Pledge $25 or more Pledge $25 or more
Get all of the above, plus receive an SVG file of a custom-designed DesignBlocks artwork by email
Pledge $50 or more Pledge $50 or more
Get all of the above, plus receive a 15''x15'' signed archival print of custom-designed DesignBlocks artwork by mail
Pledge $150 or more Pledge $150 or more
Get all of the above, plus receive the archival print in a FRAME, plus receive a Skype tutorial session from me
Pledge $250 or more Pledge $250 or more
Get all of the above, plus a local workshop (driving distance of Boston, MA)
Pledge $500 or more Pledge $500 or more
Get all of the above, plus a flyout to run a workshop (within the continental US)
Project By
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I am currently an MFA candidate in the Digital + Media department at the Rhode Island School of Design, exploring ways of connecting my own artistic expression with technology. Previously, I was a developer on the Scratch project in the Lifelong Kindergarten Group at the MIT Media Lab.
