What is an Input?

Data-Design Dictionary
A dictionary to illuminate data-driven generative design and creative coding.

Definition

The term input is used in the context of data-driven generative design especially in the description of the so-called ‘input-output model’. It describes the spectrum of possible data sources, which can be used for the generative process and made available to the program. The input consists on the one hand of a data flow, which is to be converted into new form and on the other hand of an ordering principle, which is to arrange those data on a defined surface. The ordering principle can be, for example, a physical force which then acts formulaically on the data fed to the program.

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