Project Summary:

The desired aim for the project is to create a multilayered representation of a space which is yet to be defined; initial thoughts are the possibility of architecture represented in the form of 3D modelling. As transformation has been the theme of this module I want to show the transformation of somewhere or something that we ignore and take for granted through the period of a day offering the user the experience to travel through time forwards and backwards, enabling a non linear narrative.

Output:

The end result will be a video demonstration of the interaction a human could have with a future system. This will demonstrate the notion of being able to document and explore time and space itself.

Inspiration:

The inspiration of the project has come from a number of existing “solutions” which try to capturing/represent time and space. Having a particular interest in photography one of the early concepts for capturing time and space was that of Henri Lartigue in the early 60’s with the invention of Slit Scan photography, which was later used in Stanley Kubrick’s, 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968). Basing most of my research on this technique I was lead to the inspiring work of digital artist Alvaro Cassinelli. His interactive installation “The Khronos Projector” created “a video time-warping machine with a tangible deformable screen”. This was a physical environment in which a user can interact and move through time and space through the use of video based media.

Plan for work:

Working method:

To realise the project fully I will need to first define what the end result will be. Choosing my object/environment will be a crucial element to the project and will need careful consideration.
Storyboarding will be essential to the success of this project as elements will need to be synced correctly allowing for a unique narrative and user experience.
Technology/skill sets required to complete this project will probably require 3D Studio Max, Adobe Flash CS3 along with a range of video and photographic resources which ray require filming/capturing.

Criteria:

Basing the theme on transformation I wish to explore the transformation that spaces go through over time. The project will link directly to the module of 4D as it will be exploring time and space. Not only will the project match up to the technical aspects required but the conceptual thinking and process will also count as a major part forming the basis of the project. I will explore the field of digital time-based audio/visual media linking it closely to modern technology. In doing so I will not only hope to gain some extensive knowledge in a field that I am relatively new too, but will also be able to expand and develop on my technical abilities related directly to the course.

References:

At present only web references:

An Informal Catalogue of Slit-Scan Video Artworks and Research
http://www.flong.com/texts/lists/slit_scan/

Khronos Projector
http://www.k2.t.u-tokyo.ac.jp/members/alvaro/Khronos/Khronos_Projector.html

Slit-Scan Photography
http://people.rit.edu/andpph/text-slit-scan.html

http://people.rit.edu/andpph/text-slit-scan.html

http://www.k2.t.u-tokyo.ac.jp/members/alvaro/Khronos/Khronos_Projector.html

Initially we started “brain storming”, we decided to throw some keywords in to the equation. We began to think what our idea was about, who our audience were and tried to keep most of the keyword themes predominantly focused around our niche target audience and market place.

Keywords

After our initial brain storming session this is a selection of the best keywords that describe our company:

• Retro
• Modern
• Hub
• Router
• Art
• Cool
• Digital
• Interactive
• Shoot
• Wireless
• Black
• Hex
• Hexalogic
• Social
• Heckling
• Remote
• CMYKOGW
• Interaction
• Free
• Entertainment
• Design
• Technologies
• FMS
• Engine
• Web
• Network
• Social
• Interaction
• Sociable

This set a great foundation for us to expand on, we had nailed down our markets, technology and the niche aspects of our company. With these fresh in our mind we decided to focus our thoughts on a more business like theme.

Going down the corporate route..

To start off with we decided to think of some corporate names and came up with the following:

• Central Entertainment Systems
• SGC Social Gaming Core
• Social Entertainment Systems
• Pigeonhole Interactive
• DRN Digital Retro Networking
• WRGS Wireless Retro Gaming Systems
• SoDoWi
• SoNetSystems = Social Networking Systems

Some of these we were really impressed with and could see potential, but we decided to also look into more web 2.0 business names. Sticking with our theme of Retro gaming we focused more on this as the basis for the brand name, something to be recognised for, a house name for 21st century retro gaming.

Web 2.0 / Retro inspired names

To get the ball rolling we tried a combination of relevant phrases together:

• Retro Liberation
• RDH Retro Design House
• RDG Retro Design Group
• Retro Entity
• Retro Touch
• Retro View
• Retro Vibes
• Retro Expo
• Ready Retro
• Retro Polish
• Retouch
• Retrocast
• Retrofling
• RAGS Retro Associate Gaming Systems
• Retro Entertainment Platforms
• Retro Gaming Corp
• Retrospective
• Retroband
• Retrostate

With a few more hours dedication we should decided on a successful brand to umbrella all of our skill sets under. Look out here comes the 21st century modern retro gaming…. if that even makes sense :)

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Some of the game play mechanics we have considered are:

• Initial instructions/tasks/goals will be set from the outset.
• Rules/game play and challenges should be designed in an intuitive way making it understandable to any user.
• The game must provide a compelling compulsive frenzy to drive the player forward creating an addictive environment in which the user is left wanting more. The addictive element “the buzz” will also form a part of the promotion of the game causing the user to “tell a friend”.
• The game play must be challenging for both a beginner player as well as a returning expert, creating an addictive game that produces a feel good factor and gives the user a rewarding experience.
• The game narrative should be in a linear form enabling the user to understand the mechanics of how the game works. Content will be delivered over time in lumps thought a linear narrative.
• By providing a series or structures of rewards the user will become familiar with the game mechanics pushing not only the aim of the game but encouraging the user to continue to achieve more rewards.
• Controls need to be simple and easily understood. For beginners the basic yet essential controls will be available, for returning or more experienced users expert moves can be achieved, however they are not required for basic game play. For example: the up arrow moves forward, however a double tap could achieve a faster more effective result.
• Logic and intent; implies that physical laws have been embedded in the game creating a sense of reality and familiarity.

We were shown a wide variety of previous examples, concepts and ideas but nothing really jumped out as a theme for me to carry through the final year. Anything i could think of has already been done. I guess a little more research into this area might help iron out my concerns/lack of ideas.

The theme of things happening over time seem’s a good topic and fairly interesting, we will just have to see what comes of it.

Now i think i’ll go research something to get some ideas flowing.

The Brief

Using video cameras, non-linear editing, dome environments, data, mobile phones, locative media, streaming media and other digital facilities available, you are required to explore and innovate the field of digital time-based audio/visual media with consideration of:

• the historical conventions of film and television production

• experimental innovative approaches to these forms by artists/producers over the century

• the opportunities offered by new media forms, synchronous/asynchronous media, multi-location, telematics, etc. You may, for instance, wish to critically consider ‘video’ in terms of interactive tv, surveillance, documentary, entertainment, and communication/information systems or as a combination of the above.

It is the intention of this module that you experiment and explore the transformative properties of the ‘digital’. Take risks, be innovative…

Working as individuals you are required to develop your ideas through a process of small time-based experiments, which should ultimately be resolved through a significant final project. You can realise this experimental work and the project through a number of the possible digital forms such as web based video, interactive video, live video (real time tele-presence) as well as the more conventional recorded video formats/explorations.

All you need to do is use the code below and replace the FormName and FormField with your elements names and all should work fine.

<body onload="document.FormName.FormField.focus()">

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Take a look for yourselves, if the website doesnt impress you we sure the artwork will :)

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