Whole Systems Thinking
Introduction to XMotility
XMotility is a prototyping tool that encourages whole systems thinking. This modeling system can be used to construct dynamic wire frame polyhedra, and more generally, any geometric forms.
What is XMotility?
A Structural Exploration Tool
The XMotility system has four main components to create whole systems models for structural exploration. These components are struts, joiners (flexible connectors), sliders and X-joints to rapidly build structures which can be easily deconstructed and reconstructed as required. There are several different multi-way joiners (2-way, 3-way, 4-way, ... ) used to connect a specific number of struts together. Joiners represent the vertices of the models.
The physical properties of XMotility's components used in the structure affect the motion of the structure. The X-joint employs a rotational torque component between two struts. The X-joint can absorb and/or release a rotational force between these two struts as external forces are applied to the structure. Sliders can also be incorporated into the structure, which allow it to translate and or rotate along a strut.
All the components of the system employ tension and compression through torque, rotation and translation, introducing energy into the whole system. XMotility demonstrates how geometric constraints create torsional equilibrium between bending and twisting forces.
XMotility, which can be described as a transformational vector system, can be used to make families of solid geometry, including the Platonic Solids, Archimedeans, Catalans, Rhombics, Stellated and Compound polys and Polytopes that can exhibit inherent dynamism. Yet XMotility goes further. As a dynamic modeling system, XMotility can make new structures that allow the models themselves to exhibit self-generated motile behavior.
XMotility Systems underscore the intrinsic role of play in lifelong learning, and point out the importance of whole systems thinking.
