AAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH!

REMOTE CONTROLLED HUMANS!

Ebert...Roper...Sutcliffe?

That's right folks I'm a critic this time!

MUAHAHAHAHA!
MUAHAHAHAHA!
MUAHAHAHAHA!

...ahem...

Yes I critiqued the ANTIP project done by Charles, Todd and Yosuke so here goes...

Immediate response – Class loved the interaction and everyone enjoyed participating; smiles and screaming into cups were seen all over!

Surprise – I think we were all surprised by the sounds coming through and what seemed to be going to different cups and not to ours.

Patterns – Visually the pattern of the network resembled a web as networks most often do

Change over time – Absolutely; had a lot to do with exploring the interaction and testing the physical structure

Variance – Again had a lot to do with experimenting with the physical structure and variance was indeed a large element in the project; plucking the strings, clipping into the network in a different area, pulling the string tighter, all elements seemed variable except for quality of sound…limited by material and shouldn’t be penalized AT ALL for that!

Because I did enjoy the project I want to get the negative aspect of the critique out of the way first…I was confused as to why the concept was portrayed in so many lights. First it was called a chat room, then it was stated to be a potential museum installation. I was a little perplexed about this and I myself saw it as more of an IDEO physical enactment of a VoIP (voice over Internet Protocol) network for example. I had a real problem with their chart of the concept because it continues the (in my opinion) misleading of the participant. By terming the cup w/string a “chat device” it still appears as though the primary interaction has to do with chatting over the “network” of strings. Everything refers to the presentation as a chat with talking devices. I don’t mean to imply that they came up with the musical aspect to replace the “chatting” aspect as the presentation happened, but their pre-made supporting documentation and intro speech seem to indicate this COULD be true. I feel the project would have benefited from more testing with a larger group without a doubt, but the group did a good job overall. In the future I would recommend spending less time on attention to detail until the larger aspects of the project are fine tuned first.

Now moving on…

I still feel that the interaction was successful! For one it was fun and I believe you should have fun with your schoolwork. Charles, Todd and Yosuke not only had fun exploring their interaction concepts but provided a fun interaction for the entire class to participate in. I also feel as though it would have been very difficult to figure out that the network was more successful as an exploratory/physical/musical/experimental interaction more than a “conceptual chat” interaction without having a large test group such as the class. I don’t believe that there is anything wrong with learning about your interaction during your presentation. It also seemed like they had answers for my questions about the vibrations and material design. For example Todd was able to field my question about whether the paper clip was a design consideration for symbolizing logging in/out of the network or if it actually had an effect on the quality of sound. There’s really nothing wrong with pitching your concept as one thing and finding it to be more successful as another once you are able to test it with the focus group necessary to explore this. I saw their group practice the “chat” aspect with three people and it was clear they experimented with plucking the strings at the time. I just think that they overlooked how the presentation was made in terms of pitching the “talking device” and “chat” ideas.

I felt like the teamwork was evident in the presentation and this is important. They appeared to genuinely have an interest in each other and each team member had an important role in the presentation. I felt they did an excellent job in this area. The presentation as a whole was quite good. As an entire project from beginning to end I think it was a success! A critics input at an earlier stage would have been beneficial as it would have been to each group’s. I believe first and foremost the piece got everyone involved, didn’t get enough credit for the visually stimulating physical presentation of a network (my favorite part by the way), and most importantly everyone had a great time. Charles, Todd and Yosuke did a great job, I enjoyed this unique insight into the structure of a network. Well done guys!

hahaha...Gogh Art!

Well the Gogh Art went through quite a transformation this weekend!

As I was off to Massachusetts to do some uhh...research with our prototype...I realized that it was a prime testing ground for the concept Rebekah and I came up with. I prepared the Gogh Art for its final testing session.

Previously there had been some trial runs with the concept of edible art and coloring in outlines of pre-existing works to get children away from the tv and interested in art. The trial runs were exciting and proved to be very successful. 4 children between the ages of 3 and 13 were given the (at the time yet to be named "Gogh Art") outlines as well as the edible art projects. At the time the suggestion from Tina had not been given to combine the two so we were experimenting conceptually. We were planning on packaging these concepts of non-traditional methods to use a child's creativity to get them interested in the arts as well as the design world.

Edible art projects for example consisted of using a licorice rope and froot loops, etc. to design a bracelet or necklace that could be eaten if one so desired. The child could then color in outlines of famous works by Van Gogh, Picasso and Mondrian. These artists were selected because of the varying levels of complexity they provide the children to work with. Kids like choice so if they wanted to try a more difficult one as opposed to a Mondrian piece, that would be up to them. We would also provide the child with samples of the completed piece as the artist created it. This allows children to compare their own creation with the artist's after they have come up with their own piece. We found that children older than 6 either were too old to sit down and do "arts and crafts" or found one painting that they really liked and became interested in that artist and experimenting privately with the outline to that particular piece. We decided that our project would be targeted for kids ages 3-6.

After the suggestion of combining the two projects together into one was made we were instantly intrigued by this and the new possibilities it opened up. Now instead of a book of ideas or a possible web site with the concepts and photos online, which parents and teachers could plan for children, the project became more of a self-contained product.

Rebekah and I decided the best way to put this together would be in a package that was entirely "creatable." We would package:

- 2 editable art dishes with Caro corn syrup (edible glue) and licorice ropes, jelly fruits, etc.
- 8-10 Crayons of varying non-sexually discriminating colors
- 10 outlines of Van Gogh, Picasso and Mondrian pieces
- 10 copies of the completed work by Van Gogh, Picasso and Mondrian in an art book
- 1 "art-ready" package with easy-carry handle

Rebekah had an excellent idea to improve the package. Children love to have their parents proudly display their creations on their fridge, right? Why not have a framed area on the front of the box where you can attach velcro to your latest masterpiece and proudly display it everywhere you bring your package! It was a brilliant idea and added a lot to the project. =)

The package idea was a complete success! ...initially.

---------------------------------------------------------
After the trip to Massachusetts our belief that our product was in prototype stage was completely and utterly confirmed. We knew that cardboard was just a prototype design but we didn't think the entire thing would have as many problems as it did! For one it's easy to break. Then when children use their own supplies, (paint in this case), you realize that paint takes a very long time to dry on cardboard and sometimes is just absorbed while barely changing its color! Another problem was that the materials provided were not enough for coloring in the entire box, which is apparently what some children like, so outside materials were used that could potentially ruin the package. In addition, we experienced lots of rain over the weekend and the inevitable, "keep it out of the rain! Your work will get ruined!" obviously was unacceptable to hear. The handle was quite sturdy with hot glue but no match for a child swinging the package wildly about. Another problem was candy sticking to the insides of the package and the cardboard slots breaking off when shaken. This was probably due to the weight of the crayons as the hot glue completely snapped off. The concept itself however was very successful in that Robbie couldn't wait to show his parents his masterpiece and instantly put the piece on the package rather than simple run to show them what he'd made. He asked me if I was going to come back with more Picassos next time and Becky said she would show him some on the computer. It was great to hear that he was super excited in an artist he'd previously never been introduced to!

After the completion of the test phases, Rebekah and I determined the final product would essentially be our package but would instead be encased in plastic. We will show the class in person the changes but they include:

-Plastic package to keep children's masterpieces (children like the term "masterpiece" we've discovered) from getting ruined in the rain. The plastic would have slots where you could design pieces to fit into protected plastic compartments. This also eliminates the restrictions set forth by the velcro attachments. The inside tray area would also be entirely plastic which is easy to clean off "accidents" (as in paint accidents) as well as unstick candy pieces. This would also help with the problem of the handle falling off when children swing the package wildly about.

We were toying with the idea of individualizing artits into separate packages such as Gogh Art, So Art and Mo Art. We ended up agreeing the package is much more successful as a non-traditional education tool and creative engine by combining artists into one. We were quite pleased with the lessons learned, the admiration of the art world instilled in the children tested, and the laughs and smiles that came forth from experimenting with our project. Rebekah and I were very happy with the outcome!

Interesting stuff...............FOR ME TO POOP ON!

3 COOL LINKS!

Instructables.com - how to make cool stuff

Physical World vs. Digital World - interesting article

...i forgot the third one! yay-uhh!

KILL BABIES! ...ahem...now that I have your attention...

Rebekah's Group Project page
- That is a link to Rebekah's blog which under Group Project has an image of our wonderful Picasso coloring book.

Our research found a series of these books but:
1) They are not designed for children.
2) They are very poorly marketed.
3) Nothing about them screams "fun" at all!

Rebekah and I have a goal to create several non-traditional interactive teaching tools geared towards getting children interested in art. Many coloring books for children involve Dinosaurs, Hello Kitty, Scooby-Doo, etc. What if they were taught by coloring in outlines of basic Picasso or Mondrian for example that art is fun and they too can be artists? By making a series of small interactive activities such as coloring books, edible art, and simple "around the house" art, children are taught to use their creativity and become interested in art and design rather than stare at a tv for hours on end. Sesame Street as an exception is regarded as a successful non-traditional educational tool. Our interactive project is designed to be a non-traditional tool to guide children into finding the art and design world to be fun!

At this time our ideas are as stated above: coloring book series (Rebekah's link), edible art (edible collage, designing candy jewelry, etc.), and around the house arts and crafts (such as the advanced-level iPod box robot). We are contemplating creating a small game as well.

That's right Mr. Giraffe, get all the marmalade

There's always been a lot of tension between Lois and me, and it's not so much that I want to kill her, it's just, I want her not to be alive anymore.

Here's yer stinkin' interactive flowchart. [here]

Hark...Ye Olde Flowchart Glows Upon Yonder Way

This is the widest photoshop file i've ever created! Congrats to me. I'd like to thank myself, google images, and myself. Bless you all and goodnight. *trumpets play and i'm escorted off stage*

Et tu Flowchart?

New Links for Ya Mom

http://www.durexdickerations.com/
- It's a wonder with links like these making me laugh that my girlfriend puts up with me.

http://www.moneyfactory.gov/newmoney/main.cfm/currency/new10
- a new $10 bill in 2006 which looks pretty sweet!

12 Monkeys

These are my 12 important dealies!

1. Bec


2. Technology


3. Sports (Football/Basketball/Baseball/Hockey)


4. Football Cards


5. Music (Punk Rock)


6. Sneakers


7. Minute Maid Orange Soda


8. Saving Money


9. Toys


10. New Medicine


11. Friends


12. Family

it'ssssssurreeeeeaaaaaaal

This is my Surreal interaction blog post-dealie.

Here you will see external links to my "blueprint flowchart of interaction" as well as my previous sketch. Enjoy!

Sketch: click me you fool!

Blueprints: click me first!

Sketch: don't listen to him...he'll give your computer a virus.

Blueprints: How dare you vile fiend!

*blueprint runs and gets knife*

Sketch: no! don't!

*stab stab*

Sketch: tell...wife...i...

*dies*

Myron (Freddy) Krueger

Krueger was infatuated with the concept of artificial reality as a "medium of experience and as a tool to examine the relationships between people and machines." His goal was to create full-body interactions with computers that would be accepted as real experience. He wanted to create an artificial reality that would place humans in a "simulated world of sight, sounds, and other sensations" and would make the experience feel real. He focused on creating artificial realities where the humans could participate with their entire body without wearing any special devices in an experience created by ye olde computer. His intent was, "not to reproduce conventional reality but to create synthetic realities.



Krueger's projects