# Summary of #hplusroadmap IRC Discussion (Jan 28, 2009)

• Discussion of Blender CAD scripts and architecture tools, with a note that the CAD tools were considered "pathetic" as of late 2008, highlighting ongoing challenges in open-source 3D modeling for technical applications.

• A concept of a "geometrical port generator" was proposed for both generating new standard ports and parametrically resizing existing connectors, though concerns were raised about encouraging unnecessary proliferation of custom ports.

• The phrase "evolving how to build rather than what to build" was shared, suggesting a focus on meta-design processes rather than specific artifacts.

• A collection of papers relevant to ADL (Automated Design Laboratory) was compiled and shared at http://heybryan.org/mediawiki/index.php/2009-01-28.

• Frustration was expressed about the inaccessibility of ANSI standards, noting the irony that standards dating back to 1923 cost $165 for documentation on basic components like pipe flanges, prompting the idea for an "ANSI crawler."

• A pico projector was noted to be available for $350 from Digikey, indicating interest in emerging portable display technologies.

• A philosophical statement was shared: "Information is like water, and you are dying of thirst," reflecting the community's values around information access and sharing.