What is a Computational Object?

Reimagining Object Interaction: Exploring the Boundaries of Physical and Computational Realities with ThingThingThing

This presentation offered an exploration of the nature of objects, both physical and digital, and how they can be altered through interactions. It sought to redefine the way we perceive objects and their implications in our world, extending beyond traditional human-centered perspectives. The talk dove into the topic of computational objects, presenting them as a unique blend of variables, functions, and properties tied to digital or physical entities, challenging the notion of things only existing within the purview of human conception. As the presenter discussed the evolving relationship between human creators and computational objects, it was highlighted how these artificial forms might soon surpass human cognitive abilities. The audience was then invited to partake in a collective thought experiment envisioning a garden of Computational Objects, existing independently from human intervention. This led to an interactive demonstration of ThingThingThing, a project wherein computational objects are created and controlled through code. The audience was shown how these “things” could be made to interact with each other and their environment, altering their behaviors and attributes. The session ended with an open floor for questions and discussions, seeking feedback and thoughts from the attendees.