Creative Computing Studio Pilot

Project Description

This project explores the intersection of creativity and computing, with the goal of producing original artworks through a wide range of technical and artistic processes. Students will work directly on my ongoing and new projects, contributing to the design, development, and production of creative works. These may include interactive installations, audiovisual pieces, computational art, fabricated objects, and other technology-driven artworks.

Tasks and techniques will vary by project but may include: coding, debugging, web programming, computer vision, video and image processing, digital fabrication, 3D printing, woodworking, construction, microcontrollers, and audiovisual systems. Students will gain hands-on experience integrating creative design with engineering, programming, and fabrication skills. 

Specific projects for the semester / year will be determined by student experience, interest, and background. Example of a previous project can be seen at this link, in order to get a sense of the "vibe":

https://www.cs.hmc.edu/~bang/blog/2025.04.07_16.02.30_autopoeitic_turing_machine.html

Students will participate as active collaborators—helping to build, refine, and realize works from concept to completion. Contributions will be credited in all public presentations or exhibitions of the resulting artworks.

Time and Credit Commitment 

To participate in this project, there are constraints related to time and credit :

  1. You will need to be available on Friday afternoons for at least a 2 hour block of time between 1 and 4 pm.
  2. HMC students will need to register for CS 186 (CS Independent Study) for 2 to 3 HMC credits (directions for enrolling in Independent Study will be provided later). Claremont College students not enrolled at HMC will need to complete the independent study process at their own home campus (so please look it up if needed!).
  3. I expect 3 hours of time commitment per week per HMC-equivalent credit (e.g. 2 HMC credits = 6 hours per week, 3 HMC credits = 9 hours per week.
  4. I will not endorse overloads, so the credits must fit into your schedule.  

Essay Prompt:

In 500 words or less, answer the following in your application:

  1. Describe one or more creative technology projects you have worked on in the past (e.g., art, design, fabrication, installations, or other projects combining computing, engineering, or math with creativity).
  2. (Optional but recommended). Share any kind of link (e.g. website, google folder, etc.) to a creative project you have completed or contributed to and explain your level of involvement in the project.
  3. What creative and /or technical skills will you contribute to a collaborative creative tech project?
Name of research group, project, or lab
Creative Computing Studio
Why join this research group or lab?

This project is a pilot program for building a creative technology group at the intersection of STEM and the arts. It’s an opportunity to help shape the early stages of what could become a lab or center dedicated to creativity in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and the arts.

We’ll work in a lab space adjacent to the Harvey Mudd College Makerspace, with access to tools for digital fabrication, electronics, and more. Students will be immersed in hands-on creative work—building, coding, designing, and experimenting—while contributing to projects that integrate technical skills with artistic expression.

The work aligns closely with Harvey Mudd College’s mission to engage deeply at the intersection of STEM and the arts, creating meaningful, innovative, and enjoyable projects that push both creative and technical boundaries.

 

Logistics Information:
Project categories
Computer Science
Engineering
Humanities, Social Sciences, and the Arts
Circuit Design
Computer Vision
Human-Computer Interaction
Mechanical Engineering
Robotics
Visual and Performing Arts
Student ranks applicable
First-year
Sophomore
Junior
Senior
Student qualifications

Students should have an interest in combining creative and technical skills, ideally with experience in one or more of the following areas: 3D printing, laser cutting, water jet cutting, woodworking, mechanical design, robotics, microcontrollers, electronics, computer vision, graphics, video processing, image processing, interactive programming, creative coding, human-centered design, and other makerspace-related techniques.

Beyond specific skills, students should be excited about connecting ideas across disciplines, thinking creatively about how to merge art and technology, and engaging critically with technology—considering how it shapes and is shaped by society, culture, and human experience.

You will need to complete and pass all relevant trainings and safety quizzes. 

Time commitment
Fall - Part Time
Compensation
Academic Credit
Number of openings
2
Techniques learned

Students will gain hands-on experience with a range of creative and technical processes, which may include: 3D printing, laser cutting, milling, woodworking, electronics, microcontrollers, robotics, computer vision, graphics, video and image processing, interactive programming, creative coding, mechanical design, and human-centered design. They will also develop skills in integrating art and technology, collaborating on interdisciplinary projects, and critically reflecting on the role of technology in society and culture.

Project start
Fall 2025
Contact Information:
Mentor
lbang@hmc.edu
Computer Science Professor
Name of project director or principal investigator
Lucas Bang
Email address of project director or principal investigator
bang@cs.hmc.edu
2 sp. | 0 appl.
Hours per week
Fall - Part Time
Project categories
Circuit Design (+8)
Computer ScienceEngineeringHumanities, Social Sciences, and the ArtsCircuit DesignComputer VisionHuman-Computer InteractionMechanical EngineeringRoboticsVisual and Performing Arts