Computing with words is a mathematical model that processes linguistic information, as words and phrases, instead of numbers for computation and reasoning, thus making computing more human-oriented. It is based on fuzzy logic and allows computers to process vague, imprecise information to solve problems that are difficult to quantify.

Following demo-driven research, the idea of this design studio is to introduce students into computing with words. Over the course of the semester, the demo-driven research methods let the students to develop and test prototypes. Using fuzzy logic, its process enables (a pair of) students to convert natural language into a fuzzy representation, to perform computations on that representation and then, to convert the result back into a human-understandable words and phrases.

At the kick-off meeting, a prototyping case will be introduced, which the teams will work on. The prototypes will be implemented by the group using an extended Raspberry Pi set (50% of the grade). The remaining 50% of the grade will be divided between exercises (25%) and an oral exam (25%). Note that a maximum of 10 students can register. Email the course instructors for registration; first come, first served.

On successful completion of this design studio class*, the students will have:
- Learned about fuzzy logic-based computing with words and perceptions, as a kind of embodied intelligence,
- Became familiar with demo-driven research (within a group of two) by designing, engineering, and evaluating a focusing guide,
- Developed an understanding of somatic memory, by implementing interactive Raspberry Pi prototypes.

*Note that for certain projects, the students must have attended an introduction to the FabLab before using its machines.

H.H. Bothe, E. Portmann (2026). Computing with Words: An Introduction to Fuzzy Logic Use-Cases with Theory and Applications. Springer.