23/03/2009 - Digital Planet

This week, in an Open University Special Edition, we explore the world of DIY technology.

DIY fonts

London-based font designer, Jonathan Barnbrook, shows Gareth how to create his own typeface on the web. Could your handwriting become the next Times New Roman or Comic Sans?

Maker Faire

Reporter Angela Saini visits the Maker Faire in Newcastle, organised by MAKE magazine. It has organised four events like this in the US since 2006, but this is the first in the UK. Scientists, hackers, crafters and general DIY enthusiasts show off their latest technologies. Inventor, Jimmie Rodgers, explains why the Arduino circuit board is so popular amongst people who want to build their own hardware. And we meet the creator of a life-size, fire-breathing mechanical horse.

Photosynth

Photos are taking on a new dimension. Josh Edwards from Microsoft Live Labs talks to Gareth about the website that reconstructs scenes using individual photographs. Photosynth's software can stitch together different sets of holiday pictures by a group of friends into one three-dimensional image.