Schemas Schemes Modes and Models
Schemas:
Construction toy systems can be considered schemas. The
variety and types of parts and their modes of interconnection impose a certain
order on constructions. Or to put it another way - the state space of
construcions with a tinker-toy type system is very different than that of a
block system. And even between similar systems there can be a large
difference. For instance the state space of SystemXox is much larger than
that of Tinker Toy.
Block system schemas:
enclosures
- solid walls
- forts
- houses
- furniture
Hub and Rod system schemas:
open structures:
- ferris wheels
- roller coasters
- chandeliers
- bridges
- cars, planes, trains and trucks
spherical structures (SystemXox)
- space stations
- hats
- soccer balls
But there can still be sub-schemas within a system. For instance within SystemXox, as mentioned above, there are at least two basic and competing schemas - spheres and trusses. The trusses are based on the logarithmic spiral basic to all tinker-toy type systems and the spheres are peculiar to SystemXox and are a result of its genderless connector and the resulting ability to connect hubs directly to hubs.
Schemes:
We will use scheme to mean a generalized plan or the sketch of an
idea, e.g., the general idea of a ferris wheel.
Mode:
A preferential use of a particular subspace of a construction
system's state space, e.g., a preference for hub-hub constructions (possible
with SystemXox - see below)
Models:
A detailed scheme.
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