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Sketches
Exercise 01. Switch
Exercise 02. Hand
Exercise 03. Body
Exercise 04. Document
Magnum Opus
Exercise 05. Propose
Exercise 06. Prototype
Exercise 07. Refine
Exercise 08. Implement
Auxiliary exercises
Research Report
Discussion
Exercise 01. Switch (Due 21 January)
Making or breaking an electrical flow. Construct a unique switch for connecting
and disconnecting. Possibly turning something on and off, or not...
During the critique, everyone should have a chance to experience the interaction.
Restrictions:
The switch should be intended for the operation of an individual.
No digital electronics.
Don't endanger the members of the class.
Top
Exercise 02. Hand (Due 26 January)
The mouse is a general input device used to control software projects
ranging from spreadsheets to games. In contrast to the "one device
fits all" strategy of interface, physically modify a mouse to more
specifically match the content and interaction of a piece of software.
During the critique, everyone should have a chance to experience the interaction.
For the critique assume the use of a projector displaying up to 1024x768
pixels. Have all work set up and ready to display for the beginning of
class.
Notes:
You are free to use existing software or to write your own.
If you choose to create your own software, remember the possibility to
extract more complex information from the mouse other than position (e.g.
rhythm).
The context of games provides a fertile area to explore.
Restrictions:
The device should be intended for the operation of an individual.
No additional digital electronics, use only the mouse information.
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Exercise 03. Body (Due 2 February)
Attaching a camera to a computer enables the unencumbered body to be used
as the interface to interacting with a piece of software. Develop and
implement an idea for the interaction between two people via a projection,
camera, and computer. Remember that through processing the camera data,
it is possible to track the body, track colors, determine direction of
motion, read gestures, etc.
Recommended prototyping environments include paper/pencil, D|MA SimpleCamera,
MAX/SoftVNS, and Processing.
During the critique, everyone should have a chance to experience the interaction.
For the critique assume the use of a projector displaying up to 1024x768
pixels. Have all work set up and ready to display for the beginning of
class.
Notes:
Keep your idea simple.
Wizard of Oz prototyping is acceptable and possibly preferable.
Top
Exercise 04. Document (Due 9 February)
Excellent documentation is extremely important for submitting work to
festivals, giving lectures, and securing commissions. Document the first
three exercises (Switch, Hand, and Body) with thirty second movies. Create
320x240 pixel Quicktime movies, place them into the provided template,
and upload them to the course website. Be sure to illustrate the interaction
between the work and its performer(s).
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Exercise 05. Propose (Due 16 February)
The final project for Interactive Environments is open for you to explore
personal interests. A goal for this project is to develop skills and methodologies
for realizing future works. You should take this opportunity and improve
your ability to develop diverse ideas. You must build the project using
a methodology where there will be a new, interactive prototype each week.
Each member of the class will use your prototype and the qualities of
this interaction will be the basis for a critique.
The proposal will include images, diagrams, and drawings illustrating
your idea. It will be presented in class using a projector and it should
be handed in as a paper document. Include a detailed schedule and technical
specification. If your idea is too complex to build in five weeks, focus
on building a specific part of the project.
Restrictions:
You must be the primary "artist" and "engineer" for
the project. Consulting others with specialized knowledge is encouraged,
but you must create the work with your own mind and hands.
Advice:
If you're not able to build a rough working prototype of your idea in
one week, you need to simplify. If you will be using any technology you
are unfamiliar with, begin ordering supplies and making tests immediately.
Top
Exercise 06. Prototype (Due 23 February)
Develop a working prototype of your system or part of your system.
Top
Exercise 07. Refine (Due 1 March)
Complete and refine your working prototype. Put simply, make significant
progress toward realizing and improving the project.
Top
Exercise 08. Implement & Document (Due 22 March)
Now that you have a completed a working prototype, refine and build a
robust version for the 22 March Critique. In preparation, you will have
individual critiques with Casey on 8 March and Sara Diamond on 10 March.
Will will have a group critique on 15 March.
Document your prototype with a two minute 320x240 pixel Quicktime movie.
Post your documentation to the class website.
Research Report
Develop a presentation and essay about one of the following artists:
Ann Hamilton +
Robert Wilson +
+
Luc Courchesne +
James Turrell +
+
Rafael Lozano-Hemmer +
Myron Kruger
Bill Viola + +
Diller & Scofidio +
If you would like to present a different artist, it may be possible.
The essay should focus on his/her contribution (or potential contribution)
to the domain of interactive environments. When discussing the artist's
work, I recommend focusing on one or two pieces. Essays will be linked
from the course homepage. Citation and the References should follow the
Chicago
Manual of Style format. Your essay should follow this outline:
1 Abstract (60 - 100 words)
2 Background (300 - 400 words)
What are the precedents of this person and their work?
3 Description (300 - 400 words)
A factual description of the person and her/his work
4 Analysis (300 - 400 words)
Why is/was this person important?
What are the strengths of her/his work?
What are the weaknesses of her/his work?
5 Conclusions (60 - 100 words)
6 References
Minimum of three books, articles, essays about the artist
The presentation will be given within class and should last twenty minutes.
The presentation should follow the same format as the essay.
Discussion
Select an article, essay, or chapter relevant the broad topic of Interactive
Environments. Lead the class in a half hour discussion.
Advice:
Select a short text to maximize the potential for people to carefully
read the material.
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