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Matt Cottam, CEO of Tellart has posted his thesis from his degree work (Masters of Arts in Interaction Design) at the Umeå Institute of Design, Umeå University. The thesis explains his "process of sketching and swatchmaking (prototyping) with both digital and analog tools, using both electronic and organic materials":
This hands-on journey in search of "heirloom electronics" uncovers several possible relationships between the digital, material and natural through a series of working sketch models. Through these sketches and swatches I have sought to explore a harmonious intersection between tradition and technology, and between natural materials, high craft and digital functionality. I have consistent evidence that the emotional value of handling wood as an interface brought delight to people, and I believe that these studies suggest many possibilities for product, material use and manufacturing techniques.
A link to the PDF is available at: Wooden logic: In search of heirloom electronics
For more on this idea, check out Digital Wellbeing Labs. They did a show on this in London a few years ago, featuring all wooden-cased electronics, and attempting to address the idea of how to design electronics as potential heirlooms.
http://digitalwellbeinglabs.com/dwb/?page_id=170
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