a.ponter@btinternet.com

Evaluation of Installation with photos.

immadrian — Wed, 13 Jun 2007 19:25:42 +0000

Today ready for the hand in we have been setting up the Installation. Its looking okay and its being completed today. Again we have worked well as a team and have planned well to overcome logistical problems with rooms and timings etc, everybody within the team as helped. Its looking effective as a crime investigation set up/room. We have used an exhibition space now instead of a room for logistical reasons out of our control, but it is effective. There is the visual elements as in the photos below and also a sound recording of the police interviews on a loop which adds to the ambience and creates a feeling of police interogation.

Overall it works well, however I think if we had more time we could of planned this final set up to be more effective. It will be interesting to see how people view and interact with the installation. It is very immersive with an element of play, but with more time it could have been even more immersive and effective. Good work by everyone.

Here is part of the installation, I think Roger is going to take photos of the completed space later. Photos related to Graham’s and Tim’s police profiles (Adrian and Clive).

I think the financial information/newspaper clippings work well on a visual level but also along with all the other artifacts they do suggest a narrative or theme and work well with Graham’s Greed methaphor/ theme. It is effective, but now the viewer/user needs to get involved and complete the creative jigsaw.

One of my influences for this installation set up is “VOYEUR_WEB” by Tina LaPorta which I find really interesting as you are viewing reality but also playing with reality and I think this could be very influential. The idea of Voyeur_web is that it explores ‘liveness’ through the medium of the internet. It uses the image of a floorplan as both a navigational interface structure, and a device which incourages interplay between the public and private places on view. This relates to how people use a space and move from one object or view to another. It would be interesting to do a usability test or just monitor viewers so to see their reactions but also how they view the space and how they interact with the various objects which suggest the narrative. In our Installation the whole space/room is the interface with different sections and navigational elements. I feel working in this way could be used innovatively so to influence a more fluid/organic interface/navigational system where the user feels in control but it is specific and locative to them. I may experiment with this idea further.

Visualising the Installation – CSI rooms.

immadrian — Wed, 13 Jun 2007 19:20:57 +0000

Here are some images based around crime scene investigation rooms / police investigation rooms/processes, so to help us tomorrow with setting up of and Art Direction of the Installation. This is part of the Visualisation process in this project.

These may help but the search was not very successful, but I think we have a general idea of how to visualise/set up the Installation so that we get the correct feel, creating an atmosphere of intrigue and suspense. The use of props and lighting could be very effective.

Evaluation so far. Including some Reflective comments on theory and influences.

immadrian — Wed, 13 Jun 2007 18:05:53 +0000

So far we have worked well as agroup and have used effective Multi-Media production methods such as: plan, agree project and outcome, agree tasks and actions, allocate tasks utilising peoples skills, good communication and regular meetings etc. Working our way through the concept, design and production in a well planned and effective manner, using good time management skills. I have been reading various books on Design Management and Processes which as helped my understanding of working in a team and succeeding. ‘Designing the User Interface’ by Ben Shneiderman and Catherine Plaisant provides some good discussions and advice on various issues such as participatory design and organisational design. looking at the process in a nonhierarchial, fluid way with the development of partial solutions and discovery. This does relate to the way in which we have worked, which as been very dynamic and democratic and we have all particpated. Eventually the user/viewer will participate in the design process and I think this is innovative in itself to some degree, or could create some innovation. I have also read ‘Design Management’ by Katherine Best which as been very insightful as well. Especially the section on developing good working relationships and the benefits of useful skills with a team such as: interpersonal, communication, negotiating. Which I feel have been strong skills used within are group reflecting the effective communication and planning throughout this project.

Highlighted by Clive’s excellent diagrams.

We decided on the concept early related to characters representing the 7 deadly sins. (refer to evaluative comments earlier in this blog). Also setting up a missing person scenario where the audience can interact with an interactive, imagined world/space/installation. As a group we have had fun with this and worked well together which as helped with the group motivation. We have also come from different perspectives and have used various influences and research so to help us generate the ideas and outcomes which as made the project stronger I feel. Everything from games, experiences and tv shows etc etc.

The use of social web based networks have given this project a good base and interesting innovative edge/experience creating a virtual world where these characters to some people are real which is very interesting, compelling and effective if a bit devious as well. I have really been interested in the ‘Paola246′ experiment which relates to our project, a similar project, the building of a imagined scenario/persona. This as certainly influenced my thoughts on the direction of this project and the installation idea is a different take on this. The really interesting element for me is the audience, the viewer, the user, their reactions and experiences which would be good to document in some way as an experiment. Will they guess who it is, who done it or is it real or not. Another interesting aspect to this kind of work is the amount of discussion generated around and the use of these social network sites. It’s very interesting exploring the creative potential and innovative use of them.

Evaluative SWOT Analysis of how group as worked

immadrian — Wed, 13 Jun 2007 18:04:13 +0000

This is a quick SWOT analysis of our group. These are just my observations and reflective comments, but I think it highlights how well we have done over the past few weeks. Also it highlights some weaknesses which as a group we can reflect on so to improve, which I think is important as well.

STRENGTHS:

1. Good Communication within group – email, planning meetings. Decided on purpose, fun idea and design plan early.
2. Good use of web based tools to help with working process – Blog, email etc. We have utilised social network sites well within the idea.
3. Helpful, responsible manner of group make up, we have overcome differences and discussed the design process and plan.
4. Good planning meetings with agreed tasks and actions which helped.
5. Good collaborative/democratic way of working.
6. Good recognition of our strengths and weaknesses and giving ourselfs achievable roles and tasks. Utilising skills.
7. We have kept to task and developed the Installation idea.

WEAKNESSES:

1. We maybe should of had a Team Leader/Art Director role so to oversee everything.
2. we could have been more stricter with outcomes and deciding roles etc so to manage time more effectively.
3. We could have written down a set/agreed plan of action or design process from the start with deadline dates etc. However it was near impossible to do this in this project due to the realistic threats below. We did it in a realistic way.

OPPORTUNITIES:

1. Different skills of team members.
2. Bath Spa University Resources/support.
3. Supportive personalities of the team members.
4. Fun project, which as been good for motivation at this stage.

THREATS:

1. This being a 50% project rather than a 100% project – lack of clarity with time frame/structure etc and only having 5 weeks.
2. All the team members have diffrent committments, have free time to work on project at different times. Real group working logistical problems really. Bearing this in mind I think we have done very well as a group.

Graham’s Background

immadrian — Wed, 13 Jun 2007 17:24:25 +0000

Graham’s details:
(from Clive) I suggest that Tim’s adversary should be Graham aka Adrian, the greedy accountant. Tim and Graham could engage in an E-mail/Myspace conversation prior to the party as Jonathan has put them in contact so they can arrange transport to the venue together. Tim could suggest giving Graham a lift in his car -> Graham asks about the car -> Tim tells him it is a Renault Clio -> Graham mocks this and goes on about his Maserati and things can develop from then. Tim won’t have the bottle to speak up against Graham via E-mail but has decided to hate this greedy bastard who is also a much more successful accountant than he will ever be.
(yes this is good Clive – we will set this up over the next week)

Graham met Jonathan while working in The USA as an Investment Banker (wooed him with his financial skill and advice, could be some hidden money matter secret) and now he is Jonathon’s accountant.
He knows Susan through Jonathan and there is a lustful secret past (a one night stand between Graham and Susan which Jon and Tim know nothing about). He has also met and knows Irena through Susan. He also had one drunken fling with Irena which ended in disaster, she hates him, he thinks shes some mad tree hugger with an Anger Management Problem. They are just about on speaking terms (only to keep Jonathon happy).

Graham At the party.

Graham wonders why he is there really because he only knows Jonathon and Susan, He has now met Tim, who he thinks is a loser (obviously no offence meant to you Clive, just the character Tim) but as he as just got out of a messy marriage and divorce, he is now ready to party and have some fun.

Turns up in a snappy suit but looking a little sleezy and rough.
He is on his own most of the time and also mocking and annoying Tim.

He is loud and obnoxious, ostentacious, and showing off his new Rolex watch and non-stop talking about his Maserati. Continually boasting about his wealth.

He is flirting with and annoying everybody in the party which causes some trouble. Tries putting his arm around one Susan, spills drink over her, upsets Tim and causes a fight. Irena sees whats going on and just cant control her anger anymore and lands a punch on Graham. Hes greedy about women as well as money, which explains the demise of his marriage.

He is always munching on food and as two drinks at all times in his hands.
He keeps shouting out “Where’s the F***king Caviar”

As the party develops he gets more and more drunk and causes several scenes- at one point calling everyone losers and that he is the ‘Money Daddy’ and telling them to give him their money so that he can invest it in Jonathon’s new venture (letting slip some secret he and Susan or Jonathon are keeping from someone) maybe.

I’m interested in people who want to show me their money and then let me take their money. You know it makes sense. No time wasters, please. You need to ask yourself. What have you got to offer me.

MONEY,MONEY,MONEY. In fact I want to own lots of everything, more, more, and more. Give me everything NOW!

I really like the track ‘Money’ by Pink Floyd

Wall Street, Greed, Falling Down. I am a bit of a John Wayne fan as well.

The ‘Apprentice’ is okay. However I’m usually to busy making or spending money than being a couch potato.

Don’t waste my time! Books are for loosers. You would be better off, spending some time and lots of money listening to my advice rather than reading some nonsence on a piece of paper. Belive me, you only live once.

Gordon Gecko, John Wayne.

Hi, I’m an Investment Banker/Accountant and I deal only with major players. Money is my game! I have loads of money, but I want more. So if you need an accountant or some solid financial advice get in touch, but remember I’m only interested in people who deal with six figures. My fees are large, but only what I deserve. If you want the best. you have to pay for it, right. I love eating out and trying new restaurants, socialising with friends at the weekend, sightseeing in the sun and screaming down a road in my Maserati!

I used to live in the States working as an Investment Banker on Wall Street. I would not be averse to the idea of moving again for the perfect life (more money) at some point.?
I really enjoy the outdoors and all things active. I play golf and I love the beach in the summer and skiing in the winter. I play Poker in tournaments in the USA and love the vibe of Las Vegas.

I have a degree in Economics and Business and am a CIMA qualified accountant.

Recently divorced so no time wasters please, time is money as well. Some say I’m selfish, excessive and money orientated. This is not true I just have a healthy controlled desire for the pursuit of money, wealth and possessions, especially other peoples. Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha. My vice is money and I want yours. I deserve it more than you, so stop moaning and give me a break as well as your money. I own three properties including my holiday home in the south of France and my crash pad (two bed apartment in the Trump Tower) in Manhattan. I also own two motors, my fave being my £80,000 Maserati. a real beauty! If you’ve got the money and you fancy a ride give me call.

I’m interested in people who want to show me their money and then let me take their money. You know it makes sense. No time wasters, please. You need to ask yourself. What have you got to offer me.

Good Communication

immadrian — Mon, 04 Jun 2007 20:33:48 +0000

Here are a few emails which highlights the effective communication between our team and this along with weekly meetings and discussions as really helped us work as a team. We have agreed everything and shared information well and worked hard to keep everyone in the loop. I have been impressed with the group working especially the effective communication which is so important.

“Hi people, good work Tom sounds great, I agree with
Rogers comments.

I’m having a bit of a problem with my MySpace email
verification, but once they get back to me I will then
be able to sort out my page and add comments,
hopefully soon. I should be able to complete all my
tasks by Monday and will email appropriate things etc,
cheers Adrian.

Hi Tom, not sure whats going on with Graham, but if
needed here is Grahams police interview, hope its
okay. Cheers Adrian.
— Tom @hotmail.com> wrote:

> Hi all,
> I’ve just finished andrew’s police
> interview. I’ve uploaded it and
> you can listen to it at the link below. Both voices
> are mine so let me know
> if you think I have transformed them enough. And
> obviously send any
> suggestions for improvement.
>
> penny, Andrews address is 301 Kentish town road,
> london, NW5 2TJ.
>
> LINK:
> http://www.l.com/andrew.mp3
>
> E-mail me your recorded interviews and I’ll piece
> them together for next
> week.
> Take care,
> TOM

Hi Clive, I’ve returned email, yes this is good fun
and I think Tim and Graham will work well, I agree. So
I think we are now sorted. Let me know if we need to
do anything else, cheers Adrian.
— “Clive @c.net> wrote:

> Thanks Adrian,
>
> I responded and sent you a friend request on
> myspace. Think we can get the
> envy/anger in Tim and resentment on Graham’s side
> cooking quite nicely the
> way we are going.
>
> Penny,
>
> Tim would appreciate an answer to his email reply
> (so his communication is
> not purely focused on Graham), please.
>
> Mike,
>
> When would you be online for a quick discussion of
> our flirt script between
> Susan & Tim?
>
> All,
>
> Anything else Tim needs to do before the party? I
> suggest telling Jonathan
> the ETA once he’s fixed that with Graham.
> Anything I need to bring next week as far as props
> go for the installation
> etc?
>
> Cheers,
>
> Clive
>
>
>
> On 24/05/07, Adrian @btinternet.com>
> wrote:
> >
> > Hi people, I have now accepted jonathans invite to
> > friends list etc and me and clive are exchanging
> > emailes between Tim and Graham. Is there anything
> else
> > graham should be doing before Saturdays Party?
> > Let me know, cheers Adrian.
> > — Kevin @yahoo.com> wrote:
> >
> > > Hello,
> > >
> > > From what I remember, Jonathan needs to send a
> > > myspace event invite to all 6(7?) of his myspace
> > > friends for the party on Saturday. If we are
> going
> > > to do this it pretty much needs to be today
> > > otherwise it will be too short notice. I also
> > > noticed that Graham is not on Jonathan’s
> friendlist.
> > > Regarding Irena, is this character going to be
> > > excempt from myspace, or are we going to use the
> > > profile Roger set up?
> > >
> > > ttfn,
> > > Kev
> > >
> > > Tom @hotmail.com> wrote: Hi all,
> > > Just to let you know. Jonathan has
> just
> > > sent the letter to Susan
> > > asking her to make party arrangements.
> > >
> > > He wrote this:
> > >
> > > Hi Susi,
> > > Are you having a good day? Sorry I
> > > couldn’t talk for long last
> > > night. Things were very hectic yesterday and
> only a
> > > bit better today I am
> > > afraid. I’m looking forward to getting home,
> that’s
> > > for sure.
> > > The reason I am e-mailing is I would like to
> take
> > > you up on the offer of a
> > > party/get together when I get home.
> > > It would be nice to meet your friends properly
> and
> > > I’d like to invite some
> > > people you haven’t met yet.
> > > My mate Paul has told me about this place in
> Soho.
> > > He goes there a lot and
> > > recommends it.
> > > There’s a number on the site, so if you can book
> a
> > > room for Saturday night.
> > > http://www.kinglyclub.co.uk/
> > >
> > > If you can sort out some food and put back a few
> > > bottles that would be
> > > great. Put it all on my account of course.
> > > All the friends I want to invite are on my
> Myspace
> > > page, they use it
> > > regularly so just leave a comment on my page or
> > > something.
> > >
> > > My flight gets in this Saturday at around 8:30.
> I
> > > haven’t got much luggage
> > > so I’ll come straight to the club.
> > >
> > > Missing you as always.
> > >
> > > Love Jon
> > >
> > > x
> > >
> > >

Hi Roger, good feedback, this is what I need because i
only have a short period of time each week to
concentrate on this. So good stuff. Yes I agree with
most of the things you have suggested. I will
approach/amend this as neccessary. However I wont
change the email address now as this is all set up ( I
just hav’nt got the time, the next 3 weeks are a
nightmare time for me at work), but I will make this
work for the project. I will amend and start the fun
this week. Cheers Adrian.
— Roger @yahoo.co.uk> wrote:

> Hi everyone,
>
> Can we all agree on the spelling of
> Jonathan/Jonothan? I feel this is crucial! I’ve put
> some of the character connections we worked out
> yesterday on my blog.
>
> Adrian, whilst your changes have made Graham more
> subtle, I still think some of it is a bit too over
> the top/obvious.
>
> I think the set up and relationship between Graham
> and Tim is good and will bring out the
> characteristics of their sins well.
>
> “He knows Susan through Jonathon and there is a
> lustful
> secret past”, not too sure about this as this seems
> to be encroaching into other sins and characters,
> namely Justine/Lust and Tim/Envy. Also, surely Susan
> is too proud and besotted with Jonathan to even
> think about Graham in that way. We can’t blur the
> boundaries too much between characters, otherwise
> the idea of the seven separate characters won’t be
> as strong.
>
> I think the drunken fling with Irena might be more
> plausible, leading to even more hate from her, and
> Graham’s dismissive attitude towards her. “They are
> just about on speaking terms (only to keep Jonathon
> happy).” Why would Irena want to keep Jonathan
> happy, I thought she hated him?
>
> I think the idea of Graham’s behaviour at the party
> is great, and more realistic. However, the idea of
> Irena punching him sounds a bit too “Eastenders”,
> maybe throwing drink over him / slapping him would
> be better?
>
> I’m not sure about the email address Adrian, for a
> serious (and seriously wealthy) business man in his
> mid thirties “Grawantsthelot1″ just seems silly and
> obvious.
>
> Adrian, this is just my opinion, others may not
> agree. I just think being subtle is the key to this
> thing being believable.
>
> Penny, I’ve set up a fake email and myspace for you.
>
>@hotmail.co.uk, password is “sevensins”
>
> as well as a myspace page, with the above email and
> a pasword of “7sinners”, I have also set your
> profile privacy settings to private.
>
> Roger
>
>

Working as a team.

immadrian — Mon, 04 Jun 2007 20:14:19 +0000

I feel we have worked well as a team considering people are working remotely and are working full time etc etc. There as been some positive meetings and we have agreed set tasks and plans reasonably well nearly every week and I feel it is all coming together in a professional way. The talks on working practice and group working were helpful and I think we have adhered to some of it appropriately in our own way. We have developed a successful way of working which utilises communication technology and overcomes the practical constraints we have. Also we have made good choices as a team in terms of the content and being realistic with time constraints and technical ability etc (choosing the installation solution). We have communicated well and have overcome problems , we have agreed tasks and ideas etc. We could improve I’m sure, but we have recognised as a team are strenghts and weaknesses which is very positive and in a short time span.

We have used aspects of the guidelines on production methodologies below:

design-for-multimedia.ppt

Briefing and Theory.

immadrian — Mon, 04 Jun 2007 19:48:01 +0000

This project as been hard work (due to working full time), but also enjoyable and great fun. This idea of an imaginary world is interesting in many ways, related to interaction, games and multi-media. I think the exploration and experimentation in this area could realise some interesting thoughts and working ideas related to how people interact in different ways and using different methods of communication / interaction. With time constraints we have chosen well in producing an installation idea which is effective. It will be interesting to see how people interact with it and the different characters / events. Will they get it? Will they guess who done it? etc etc. The idea of using email and MySpace and other web 2.0 aspects is again interesting. Posing questions such as. Where will it all lead in terms of society? What is real/ What is not real? Also how the technology will develop to allow people to do complicated tasks easily and also in a fun and rewarding way maybe. Social networking is also interesting and to me I would like to know. How much time people spend using sites like MySpace, Flcker, bebo etc? What advantage do they have over say using email, text message or even the phone. Anonimity and autonomy come to mind as does this idea of Generation Content. People using these site are empowered to create, act and imagine in different ways from before. Anyway I’ve looked at several sites and read a few things from the briefing sheet below; (please look at My Delicious on my personal project blog for other site I have looked at).

Interactive Narrative Imaginary worlds: Group Project

An imaginary world is a setting, place or event or scenario at variance with objective reality, ranging from the voluntary suspension of disbelief of fictional universes and the socially constructed consensus reality of the “Social Imaginary”, to alternate realities resulting from disinformation, misinformation or imaginative speculation, and the subjective universe of altered states of consciousness, psychosis or dream sleep.
Wikipedia

The aim of this project is to jointly create an imaginary world, which can be accessed through any chosen means, from the internet or mobile connection to distribution on CD or DVD or display in an installation. This story world can be in the form of a game, a website, an artwork or an interactive film or a combination of all these. It is often best to imagine one small change to our real world, which results in enormous changes to an imaginary world. For example: a place where water is never liquid or language was never invented.

You may wish to devolve the production functions to different members of the group or to take on a section each following a communal design session.

Ask yourselves if this artefact has a specific purpose and audience : Simulation. Education Entertainment etc.

Outcomes for assessment
1 Research notes
2. Design Plan
3. Storyboard
4. Visualizations
5 Working model/demonstration

Links:
http://www.baddaystudio.com/gravityblog.html

http://www.mcwetboy.net/maproom/

http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/06_18/b3982001.htm

http://www.businessweek.com/technology/content/dec2001/tc20011212_9434.htm

http://www.thepublishingspot.com/2006/02/feature_story_writing_inside_s.html

http://www.electricsheepcompany.com/

http://multiverse.net/

http://www.areae.net/

http://www.there.com/

I have found this very interesting and it is posing more questions than answers but I am trying to see the potential and how ldeas and working prototypes could be developed from these ideas and influences.

The ‘Maserati’ idea

immadrian — Mon, 04 Jun 2007 19:26:39 +0000

I’ve used the ‘Maserati’ idea because it gives Graham a strong identity related to wealth and greed and i feel it works well. Its a visual methaphor for wealth and greed relating to his persona and I have now used the ‘Maserati’ logo as Graham’s MySpace ident which is okay. Here are the ‘Maserati’ images:

This as been a quick and effective way to generate Graham’s persona.

Graham and Tim

immadrian — Mon, 04 Jun 2007 19:14:53 +0000

I’ve worked well with Clive on this project. Clives character ‘Tim’ and ‘Graham’ have worked well together. A good interesting fun relationship developed between the two – refer to MySpace and the emails between them. It’s worked well, thanks to Clive. Also Clive generated the Police letter and I worked with that to adjust Grahams address etc.

police_letter_020607.pdf

The idea is that Grahams gone missing maybe, he is hiding a secret about Jonathan and his financial dealings etc etc.

I have also recorded the Police Interview with Graham answering the questions in a laid back way (maybe hes hiding something?).

Also while doing this I recorded my mouth answering the questions and the imagery is visually interesting and maybe the mouth could be used in other projects. I like the idea of users having a visual connection to something and maybe the mouth could be used in guide or instructional way on other projects – I will develop this idea.

Here are the files:

grainterview.ppt