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University of Newcastle coursework

Tetrahedron

A university design exercise: make an abstract framework tangible. Used a supplied tetrahedral shape to connect different models of complexity and creativity, and produced a walkthrough video.

2021 · Fusion · Concept model · Magnet-coded edges · Ferrofluid display

What I did

Proposed a modular knowledge-mapping system built from triangular segments.
- The four segments represented the Cynefin domains, and each edge one of three frameworks: Maslow’s hierarchy, the knowledge matrix, and depth of knowledge.
Encoded the frameworks’ relationships through complementary magnetic patterns.
- When segments aligned, their combined magnetic field lines changed the ferrofluid displays, so rearranging the model gave a visual representation of the relationships.
Explored how physical form and interaction could make abstract systems easier to compare and understand.

Design

The four frameworks side by side: the Cynefin domains, the depth of knowledge wheel, the knowledge matrix, and Maslow's hierarchy with its transition arrows — The four frameworks

The Cynefin framework: four domains, complex, complicated, chaotic, and ordered, around a central disorder region — Maslow + depth of knowledge transitions
All relationships mapped

Maslow's hierarchy added: data in the chaotic domain, information in ordered, knowledge in complicated, wisdom in complex, and vision at the centre — Maslow + depth of knowledge transitions
All relationships mapped

Cynefin domain modules laid flat — Cynefin domains on the outer faces (left) and the other frameworks on the inner faces (right)

Cynefin domain modules folded — Cynefin domains on the outer faces (left) and the other frameworks on the inner faces (right)

Complexity framework mapping

Systems relationship map

Sketches of the polymagnet edge patterns on a segment, with notes on how a segment edge relates to adjacent segments and how the ferrofluid display shows it — Edge-encoding and ferrofluid-display sketches

Model

The assembled tetrahedron in three dimensions, viewed from above one corner, with the ferrofluid displays along its edges

The tetrahedron made transparent, from the same corner: the magnet bars along each edge and the field lines drawn between neighbouring segments