Ryan Griffis +

ARTS344 :: interactivity 1

projects

These are general descriptions of the projects and are not substitutes for their full discussion in class. The presentations and lectures that accompany these discussions are designed to give the class a more thorough understanding of the requirements and expectations of each project.

Project 1 : Hypertext

This project will introduce the class to the techniques and concepts of hypertext production and design. We will look at and discuss this basic form of screen-based interaction, an early, and persistent, form of human-computer interaction mediated by standardized and programmed hardware-software systems (keyboard-mouse-screen-web browser). We will specifically look at the ways hypertext has been employed and enageged by artists and writers interested in the forms of non-linearity offered by technologies like the Internet and CD-ROMs.

Project Parameters: Each student will create a web-based series of documents using XHTML and CSS that facilitates an exploration of basic interface design and non-linear organization.

Methodology:
1. Choose 3 interrelated systems that function at different scales (example: ecosystem/electric power/digestive system) with which to work (these can be anything fitting the definition of "system" but it should be easy for you to understand and communicate how they are connected)
2. Create a database of words/phrases/images that help delineate your chosen systems. You should have at least 40 elements for each system, but your databases do NOT need to be exhaustive or comprehensive in their representation of the systems (that would, of course, take much more than 40 items!) MUST HAVE YOUR 3 SYSTEMS BY JAN 16
3. Using all of the words/phrases/images from your database, create a visual concept map of the relationships between your systems. This can be done by hand, in software like Illustrator or Freemind, but must be presented on 11x14 paper. DUE JAN 23
4. Using your concept map as a guide, construct a sequence of 40 screens that each utilize 1 element from all 3 systems, visually + conceptually prioritizing one of them. Each element should serve as a link to a different screen - i.e. each screen should have exactly 3 links, each to a different screen. Create a site map for your screens.
5. Using XHTML and CSS, put your site map into webpage form. DUE FEB 4

project 2: Interfacing Space

This project will take the form of an interface created in Flash and Actionscript that interprets a chosen space/place. There will two inseparable layers of content to the finished work: the interface (how) and the "material" that the interface reacts with (what). The interface will be a translation and interpretation of your interactions in that space/place, while the "material" content will be selected/generated from an archive of research docuements related to the space/place.

Project parameters: Each student will create 1) a paper prototype/map in the form explained below and 2) a Flash file that addresses the above problem, using the tool kit files provided and discussed in class.

Methodology:
A) Pick a site that is accessible to you
B) Produce documents that record your research of the site (audio recordings, written/spoken observations, photographs, drawings, rubbings, etc)
C) Make a "map" of your interactions with/in your chosen space/place. These maps will consist of facsimilies of your research documents placed onto 8.5x5.5 (1/2 letter size) blank white paper, taped (or otherwise connected) together to make a larger folding map, with each instance being represented on a single sheet. It does not have to end up creating a rectangle (i.e. it can go off in different directions, as long as it can be folded). These should address notions of movement, directionality, depth, time, emotions, and other things experienced in space.
D) Using the tool Flash kits files and paper prototypes/maps, produce a final document in Flash that is both animated and uses buttons and movie clips for interactivity.

+ NOTE CHANGES TO DEADLINES BELOW

Timeline:
Part C is due on Mon Feb 11, but we will continue to push these to better develop and integrate the research and visualization methods over the week.
Part D, the final Flash file will be due on March 10.

Flash resource files:
+ Basic Flash toolkit 1 files (animation and simple interaction): A [ fla ] B [ fla ]
+ More: Basic interactive sound ( swf / fla ), interacting with objects1 ( swf / fla ), interacting with objects2 ( swf / fla ), scrolling/panoramic movement ( swf / fla ), tracking colliding objects1 ( swf / fla), tracking colliding objects2 (swf / fla ), modifying sounds ( swf / fla ), compiled actions ( swf / fla )

Project 3: Processed Interactions (Processing + Arduino)

Project 4: Sociopoetics: Social Interfaces

This project will introduce some concepts from contemporary art and design that deal with the interactions between people as mediated by constructed objects and/or situations. Such practices have become known by different names and attached to different, often conflicting sets of values within art and design arenas. Some examples include Bourriaud's "Relational Aesthetics", Grant Kester's "Dialogic Art", Suzanne Lacy's "New Genre Public Art", Ted Purves's "Social Practices".

The premise for our project will involve one of two possibilities:

1. Prototyping Participation. This possibility involves the creation of an prototype object that facilitates a participatory process in a social rather than individual manner. Everyone might know the long spoon parable. Basically, this is the production of a working prototype (as in a fabricated object of some kind) that serves a participatory social role, i.e. where more than one person actuates its purpose. This cannot be screen based. It can involve manipulating/hacking existing objects. Think utensils, clothing, furniture, etc. If the object cannot realistically be fabricated (like a large furniture or architectural object), you can created models and illustrations. The point is to explore the symbolic as well as functional meaning of the subject-object relationship. Do NOT create a two sided fork or shirt for two people... remember that the symbolic, poetic and metaphoric meanings of the interface are the most crucial.
Some things to keep in mind: Design for Hackability (or what it means to design things with an acknowledgment that those things will be used in ways other than intended)

Things to look at: Allora & Calzadilla, Atelier Van Lieshout, Institute for Applied Autonomy, Lucy Orta, Lygia Clark (more + more), N55, Temporary Services

2. Designing Relations. This is the production of mediated social situations, that may or may not involve the production of objects. The premise here is that you generate some kind of well-defined set of interactions between 2 or more people for the purposes of creating a poetic/symbolic meaning. This can take any number of forms, from networked interventions on Ebay and Craigslist to the sharing of specially prepared food among some gathering of people. The focus however should be on the mediation of these relations as embodied in the constructed "event." Where is the "interface" located? And what kind of an interface is it? Again, the point is to consider the symbolic/poetic within the functional. These situations can be constructed for our class or outside of class, but if the latter, should be documented well enough to present to the class.

The second option can be completed as a collaboration between 2 people, the first option is to be completed by individual students.

Things to look at: Fluxus, kanarinka, Park Fiction, Institute for Infinitely Small Things, Feel Tank, Wochenklauser, Temescal Amity, Futurefarmers, Tino Sehgal, Untitled Projects, Keith Obadike, Lee Walton

Methodology

1. Generate a list of interests that deal with notions of sociability, public space, etc via a brainstorm or mind mapping session
2. Create a concept map of your idea
3. Create more detailed sketches of your situation/object
4. Produce final work to be presented to class