Modern Mesdag fits the world into his computer

In 1881 Hendrik Willem Mesdag painted his famous Panorama of the fishing village of Scheveningen. The panorama covers a cylinder 14 metres high with a circumference of 120 metres. It is in fact an early form of virtual reality, giving the viewer the illusion of participating in life on the seashore. Like a modern Mesdag, Aldo Hoeben, part-time...

Micro satellite swarm reduces vulnerability: Adaptive electronics modify receiver/transmitters to match conditions

Bacteria, polyps, ants, and bees are the living proof that, given inhospitable conditions, colonies stand a better chance of survival than individuals.At TU Delft, this biological principle is now being used on spacecraft. A colony of micro satellites will be less vulnerable than a normal satellite, not only to gamma radiation and solar storms,...

Retaining form in two dimensions: Depth - the missing dimension - is inside the human head

It happens all the time. Seduced by a glossy catalogue or an image on a web site you step into the shop to buy yourself a new toaster or computer display. Once there, disappointment strikes. The toaster is just another tin box, and the sleek computer screen from the brochure turns out to be huge. The reverse also happens.

Cabinet of curiosities fuels creativity

During the initial stages of the design process, industrial designers often use their private collection of images, magazines, and objects to gather ideas and to discuss matters with their colleagues. These collections are rather like the cabinet of curiosities or wunderkammer that the well-to-do of the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries liked...