Transformative Creativity with Fritzing
Symposium:
Title:
- Transformative Creativity with Fritzing
Organiser/Presenter(s):
Statement:
Workshop Statement
Fritzing is an open-source initiative to support designers and artists to take the step from physical prototyping to actual product. We have created the Fritzing software in the spirit of Processing and Arduino, creating a tool that allows the designer / artist / researcher / hobbyist to document their Arduino-based prototype and create a PCB (printed circuit board) layout for manufacturing. The complementing Fritzing website helps users to share and discuss drafts and experiences as well as to reduce manufacturing costs.
Fritzing is essentially an Electronic Design Automation software with a low entry barrier, suited for the needs of designers and artists. lt uses the metaphor of the breadboard, so that it is easy to transfer a hardware sketch to the software. From there, it is possible to create a circuit foot print for turning the circuit into a PCB. The PCBs can be fabricated by the user or sent out to a manufacturer for production. Thus, the Fritzing process will leave the designer with a robust circuit, which they can use for permanent installation or even batch production of a project.
Fritzing challenges the conventional model of both electronics production and those who produce electronics by providing open source, intuitive electronic fabrication tools for non-engineers. We are eager to see what type of projects will result from our new tool and how the aesthetics of electronic design will change.
