Documentary Evidence Framework for Analyzing Hands-On Continuity in Distributed Digital Fabrication Training

Distributed digital fabrication training links computer-aided design (CAD), machine operation, electronics, and physical infrastructure. This study demonstrates a documentary evidence framework using 19 assignment pages and one final-project page from the first author’s Ecuadorian Fab Academy portfolio. Five dimensions organize the record: digital-to-physical translation, troubleshooting and iteration, technical assistance, equipment and material access, and reuse or integration. Translation was coded on 17 of 20 pages (85%), reuse or integration on 13 (65%), troubleshooting on 9 (45%), assistance on 8 (40%), and alternative access on 4 (20%). These non-additive percentages describe page-level evidence coverage, including reported intentions where explicitly identified; they do not measure competence. A doctoral thesis by the same author supplies cross-record documentary traceability of CAD, rapid prototyping, Arduino programming, printed circuit board (PCB) design, and computer numerical control (CNC) fabrication. Common authorship prevents treating this comparison as independent validation. The contribution is a source-linked classification of representations, processes, assistance, access, and task dependencies with explicit inference limits. The single-case, artificial intelligence-assisted coding demonstrates an auditable analytical procedure. Coding reliability remains unvalidated; independent recoding and additional cases are required before comparative assessment.