AAHHHHHHhhhlyssa's 101 Website
"i hate everything"- A. Castaneda
Artist Statement
The calculator I created, though performing the same basic operations of a typical calculator, does not have the conventional archetypal interface we are used to from electric/digital number crunchers. A most universally accepted interface of a calculator is rectangular, with an elongated, rectangular LCD screen, following below with rows and columns of buttons that display a series of numbers and operations possible. It is safe to say, anyone that is handed a calculator knows exactly what it’s used for and how to use it, even if only its most elementary functions. Unlike this, my calculator is not as straight forward as the visual elements are unconventional.
To begin with, the calculator must be turned on by powering up a dial. Next, instead of inputting a series of numbers, for example, ‘5’ and ‘3’ to create the number ’53,’ you must turn a knob to the desired number. The second knob must then be turned as well. In a traditional calculator, the first number is inputed, and then the operation, followed then by the second input. On this calculator, it is clearer to dial both inputs before the choice of operation. Even abroad, calculators still use the same symbols for operations, such as the ‘+’ and ‘=.’ This calculator uses different images that would be unintuitive for the first time user. Overall, the calculator I have coded is attempting to teach the user an unconventional “language” while still having simple utility.