# A Digitally Enhanced Ethnography for Craft Action and Process Understanding
## 5 Use Cases
### Mechanical Characterization of Use Cases  
Mechanical characterization typically involves studying the mechanical properties and behaviors of materials. These properties are crucial in understanding material behavior under different conditions and loads. This project focused on simulating and preserving traditional crafts through three core actions: digital reenactment, craft-specific simulators, and archetypal action principles. These actions encompass additive/subtractive (material addition or removal), interlocking (intricate material weaving), and free-form (flexible material shaping) techniques. Hands and feet serve as crucial tools and sensors in crafting. The eight crafts in focus each demand distinct mechanical skills. These skills are improved through various programs and experiences, inspired by established mentoring networks. Table 1 offers a concise overview of how traditional crafts engage with specific mechanical actions. Craftsmanship often involves intricate and varied mechanical processes, from adding and subtracting materials to interlocking or free-form shaping them. Understanding the mechanical properties of various materials is crucial for artisans in traditional crafts. Below, we provide information about the properties of materials frequently employed in traditional crafts, ranging from glass to clay, emphasizing their distinctive attributes and behaviors. Glassblowing: In glassblowing, artisans shape the glass by adding and subtracting material; mechanical characterization involves studying the tensile strength of the glass rods used, modeling the thermal expansion of the glass during the blowing process, and characterizing the brittleness of the glass to prevent breakage during shaping. Glassblowers master the art of transforming molten glass into mesmerizing, flowing shapes. They do this through precise 3D and 2D transformations, creating stunning glassware, sculptures, and installations. Aubusson Tapestry: For tapestries, where materials are interlocked, mechanical characterization focuses on the tensile properties of the textile threads, modeling the load-bearing capacity of the interlocking patterns, and characterizing the elasticity of the threads to ensure the tapestry's structural integrity. Aubusson tapestries traditionally involve the use of various materials, such as the following: (1) Wool is the primary material used for weaving Aubusson tapestries. It provides warmth, durability, and vibrant colors to the tapestry. (2) Silk is a natural fiber produced by silkworms and is known for its softness, \begin{table}
\begin{tabular}{c c c c} \hline
**Craft/Action** & **Add/Subtract** & **Interlock** & **Free-Form** \\ \hline Glassblowing & X & & X \\ Aubusson Tapestry & & X & X \\ Woodcarving & X & & X \\ Porcelain Pottery & X & & X \\ Marble Crafts & X & & \\ Silversmithing & X & & \\ Clay Pottery & & & X \\ Traditional Textiles & & X & \\ \hline \end{tabular}
\end{table} 
Table 1: Mechanical principles per craft instance. shen, and luxurious feel. (3) Cotton threads or fabric may be used as the tapestry's base or backing material, providing structure, stability, etc. Woodcarving: In woodcarving, artisans showcase their mastery by delicately subtracting material from wood. They intricately carve patterns and motifs, enhancing the wood's beauty. They sculpt and shape wood forms with precision. In woodcarving, which involves shaping wood in a free-form manner, mechanical characterization includes modeling the stress distribution in carved wood, characterizing its hardness for carving tool selection, and analyzing the impact of moisture content on the wood's dimensional stability. Porcelain Pottery: Mechanical characterization involves modeling clay shrinkage during firing, assessing porcelain's compressive strength for stability, and studying glaze thermal expansion for proper pottery fit. Porcelain pottery also includes free-form crafting. Artisans use mass-preserving, free-form 3D and 2D transformations to create unique pieces, giving free rein to their artistic expression.