Archive of the former Yahoo!Groups mailing list: MOTM

It's great to see this discussion again. I think it has been
admitted by Paul that the knob/jack "grid", "single knob size", and
the simplicity of other module panel design elements were settled on
as a compromise to cost. In an ideal world (at least in my ideal
world) form would follow function. MOTM panel design would imply
module function, at least in some abstract sense, such as a flowchart
of the underlying electronic process, or some other spacial
representation of function.

As Paul's designs become more elaborate and the percentage
cost/benefit of adherence to the initial panel design compromises
changes in relation to the cost of the modules (i.e. the total cost
of more expensive modules are less effected on a percentage basis by
fixed cost savings in panel design), it would seem as if it could be
time to address the compromise.

Many users are trying to address the problem themselves by coding
functions with colored washers, stickers, labels, etc. Paul himself
marveled at how the Buchla module functions could be ascertained from
across the room. I vote for EVERY new module's form to follow its
function, rather than be limited by a compromise made years ago in
manufacturing cost context somewhat different from today's.

-Roger