Binary Adding Machine - A Reflection
Comprehending computation through the lens of physical and mechanical components is a fantastic way to understand the broader landscape of computation.
Computing can seem like a mysterious thing; something that occurs inside of a box, and beyond anything your eyes can comprehend. Designing a mechanical object not only allows you to visibly see each component at work, but also forces you to thoroughly grasp each concept so that you can fabricate a functional piece.
Working with magnets was hard, but extraordinarily helpful. Helpful because they come with a rule set. Unlike a marble, magnets come with predefined properties that force you to work within the constraints of their nature. This helped in some ways. For example, understanding binary logic and developing a clear definition for an output. But it also made things extremely difficult at times, namely when the magnets refused to adhere to a system that seemed to work in theory.
When attempting to design an adding machine, I would recommend working with a material like magnets. Not because it’ll be easy, it won’t be. Rather because working with mediums that already have an ingrained rule-set means that you do not have the freedom to design without borders. Mediums like this must inform you design, because if their properties are not allowed the ability to operate and exist then your system won’t either.