The Obstruction Manual: Insights on Sharing Instrument Design Knowledge for Active Learning

Nicolò Merendino; Raul Masu; Giacomo Lepri

The Obstruction Manual: Insights on Sharing Instrument Design Knowledge for Active Learning
Image credit: Nicolò Merendino; Raul Masu; Giacomo Lepri
  • oral
  • Presence: in person
  • Duration: 16
  • Type: long
  • Session: Togethering

Abstract:

This paper addresses two longstanding challenges in the instrument design field: sustaining knowledge and practices embedded in an instrument over time, and sharing them educationally. We introduce the “Obstruction Manual” as a way to disseminate digital instruments and inspire variations rather than support replication. By strategically omitting some technical details while emphasizing design speculations, contexts and processes, we aim to set in motion a productive struggle that poses challenges and surfaces insights, fostering active learning and creative adaptation. We report on the process of creating an Obstruction Manual for an existing instrument, describe its structure and content, and discuss how this approach supports both DMI education and longevity.