Introduction
In this paper Sutherland introduces his Sketchpad system, one of the earliest pen based computing devices. The main feature of Sketchpad is a system for drawing and defining geometric shapes. Users can draw shapes, duplicate them and place geometric and mathematical constraints onto the subcomponents of the shape. The geometries are stored in a well defined format which can then be used in other programs to perform simulations and other manipulation.
In essence Sutherland created the precursors to our modern 3d CAD systems. The pen would ultimately be replaced with the mouse but otherwise it is very similar.
Sutherland's system is very a very rigid way to draw, but the constraints create exact geometric shapes. In some sense what we are trying to achieve now is to get the Sutherland's resulting exact geometric shapes without the rigid input. We want to take an inexact drawing and get the computer to interpret it into the precise shape that we intended. So far it has been hard to achieve this without a very constrained system, large amounts of exact numerical input or a user who is an expert in the CAD system being used. In sketch system terms, Sutherland's Sketchpad is better for idea stabilization than creative change. Some combination of Sutherland's geometric system and a more natural input could be ideal to balance the creative change and idea stabilization.
Perhaps the most important thing to take away from this paper comes in the Sutherland's conclusions:
"It is only worthwhile to make drawings on the computer if you get something more out of the drawing than drawing. "
I think the kind folks who created Photoshop, Illustrator, GIMP, and other such programs would strongly disagree with that quote. In 1964, computer resources were extremely valuable and hard to come by. Today, it's commonplace to use a computer to achieve an artistic effect that would be achievable without one. 50 years ago, that would be pretty alarming.
ReplyDeleteBut could you not consider the tools that they use in such programs as an extension beyond the mere drawing? These tools compliment the artist and extend their creative reach, thus giving them more than just the drawing itself. Achieving something beyond what is possible with just pen and paper, in my mind, is still a fulfillment of Sutherland's quote.
ReplyDeleteI think that those tools do add a lot and are a good example of the computer providing a better way than just drawing. However, what i meant to say is that the ease of use and whole process of a sketch program must be enough that it is not just easier to grab a piece of paper and work it out longhand.
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