Autodesk Dynamo
Open-source graphical programming for architects
Overview
Dynamo is a visual programming environment that enables designers to explore parametric conceptual designs and automate tasks.
I was involved in detailed interaction design and user studies right from the initial conceptual design stage of the visual programming tool.
Node to code & back
Node to code helps beginner programmers learn to code.
Seasoned programmers can still write code as they usually would.
Converting to code helps in solving some of the node 'noodle'.
Visual library
Created approximately 1140 icons along with visual organisation to help users find the relevant functionality faster and to make them aware of the capabilities.
Canvas annotations
Large graphs get messy and identifying specific parts of the graph becomes unusually difficult.
With canvas annotations, parts of the graph can be visually grouped and also color coded with functional descriptions.
Node interactions
Dynamo is designed to react to every user input to give a fluid experience.
With the ability to express your parametric designs in code, Dynamo nodes are loaded with convenient ways of adding inputs to aid quick exploration.
Nodes also provide contextual extensions to help the user with what to do next or to change their mind from its current state.
Package manager
Package manager helps Dynamo users share their workflows quickly.
Users can upload specific files or share their components right from canvas.
Geometry models
.. made with Dynamo
Toolset
Adobe Illustrator
Pencil on paperDynamo packages
Packages developed using C#
Dynamo to Illustrator
Grapher
Toolset
C#