All tools extend our abilities in some way or another. They let us do things that we could not otherwise do, or at least not as quickly, efficiently or easily. But there is a special class of tools that extend our minds, and allow us to conceive things we otherwise wouldn’t. These are my favorite tools.

My first experience of this relationship with a tool was with Pilot Razorpoints (and later Pigma Microns). When I drew with this instrument, very different types of images emerged from the process of drawing. I’ve had the same experience with film photography equipment, some versions of some graphics software, musical instruments and software.

Somehow I, the instrument and the thing I am working on all merge into an activity, one which is greater than each of the parts. The tool becomes like a person with whom we become absorbed in conversation to a degree that it feels as if the conversation is having itself through us.

I am going to call this state of relationship with a tool “instrumental rapport”.