The (R)Evolution of Craft Technologies

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We are living in an age where there is an increasing amount of developments in technologies founded on digital and electrical structures.
A digital revolution is taking place and it has been going on for the last few decades. These developments have an extensive impact on design
processes, creating a new triangular affair between art, human and machine. How can we retain the essence of craft as we work with new
these new technologies?''

When looking at the current progression in digital technology and the mechanic processes that come with it one can easily find similarities to the industrial revolution that caused a major transformation in manufacturing processes. This transition included going from hand production methods to machines, new chemical manufacturing and iron production processes, the development of machine tools and the rise of the factory system with the increasing use of steam power. The new steam engine driven machines replaced the craftsmen system with faster and cheaper production. The critical eye and artistry of the craftsman was sacrificed by speed. The worker was now submitted to the machine, feeding it raw materials and allowing it to determine the final product.

Just like during the revolution there is a countermovement subjected to this developments and people question the value of objects in relation to handicraft and machine made products. Hand-made objects have a uniqueness that can not be replicated by a machine. The nature of craft objects lies at the heart of the profession, reflecting the importance of authenticity and the value of workmanship. But if technologies, such as 3D printing, make it possible to make distinctive objects at the touch of a button, what does that imply for the whole notion of craft? What will being a craft professional mean in these circumstances?