Monday, November 19, 2007

Rough samples


I am trying to figure out the best way to present my idea. Here are a couple of rough visuals that are helping me get clarity. I need to storyboard my idea before I build. I am also going to shoot some underwater footage to illustrate the concept effectively.

Monday, November 5, 2007

Creative Brief: xPOOL



I am an avid swimmer and find it to be extremely beneficial as a daily routine. I have often thought that the experience of swimming laps, although somewhat meditative in its monotony, could be enhanced experientially. The visual experience of swimming in pleasurable in the graceful underwater movement that can be achieved, yet the surface area around is fairly uninteresting. Sometimes nuances such as cracks, hair, bugs, foreign objects, etc. can disturb the visual field. The surface bottom and walls of a pool are formally inviting to the idea of display, I just don’t think anyone has given it much thought. At least, in my research so far, I have yet to uncover any details on the subject.

Perhaps the idea of electronics underwater is thought to be dangerous, although I believe with current technology, a reassessment can be made. Acrylic encasing with flat-paneled displays could work nicely. I am sure the cost to build an entire pool this way would be quite expensive, so the target consumer would be aimed at wealthy homeowners, hotels and gyms.

An interactive experience can be achieved along with audio and video capabilities. The user would have a remote controlled wristwatch with buttons which would allow communication within the environment. This would allow for simple menu scrolls and music selection. MP3 players could be synced with the system and translated into the underwater interface. Cameras and sensor technologies could also be able to track movement, which allows an additional feedback capability. Laser pointing is another type of communication that could possibly be utilized in the interface.

With tracking capability, a swimmer could see the reflection beneath them in unison on the floor of the pool. As the swimmer moves along, corrections and critiques of form could allow the swimmer an expanded self awareness of their practice. This could make the rate for improvement much faster. In addition the interface could also teach new techniques along with displaying additional information. Or for a game, you could race an animated swimmer.

There is also recreational aspect to the interactive environment. Through the use of an external console, applications could be installed. By setting up the experience before you enter you are able to render a world of your choice. Unlimited possibilities for themes, games and theatrics could all be explored. Imagine swimming in a pool with virtual mermaids and dolphins. Or perhaps swimming through a light show or in a see of stars. The potential is infinite. Even personal or business tasks could be performed. You could even check your email.

I am proposing to build the flash interfaces for the pool surface, and console. The audio and video dimensions will be incorporated in both. I will also create an animated intro for the console which will illustrate a simulated experience.

Project 2: xPOOL

The submersive interactive experience renders a world of motion and sound that can be customized to the user , which transcends any current swimming pool experience.

The core idea was inspired by the practice of swimming and perfection of form for speed and efficiency. The idea of a digital underwater interface that could correct and critique swimming form was the base of the concept. While swimming, the floor of the pool is the perfect platform and remains in the visual field, which current technology fails to utilize.







The mood should convey a feeling of cutting edge coolness. Technology and liquid light along with visuals which refer to audio levels (It will translate audio files from MP3 players and interface them). It should convey a fantastical dramatic quality.
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Touchscreen Console:



Body profile based on user input:


Audio goggles:



Wristwatch controller:


Theme Options:


Monday, October 29, 2007

Digital Billbaord Crossover

The live video that streams is also accompanied by the video chat comments that streams online in real time. Also, a bluetooth stream can be harnessed by any phone that is within reach of the signal that transmits from billboard "hot spots."



This allows the user the ability to contribute directly to the streaming content that is displayed in a public area. The user can actually see their contribution in real time. Their input will also be published online along with the live chat.

Flash Site: Working

Here is the link for the first working version of the site.

http://reactive-media.com/artcenter/cnn_home6.swf

It is for presentation purposes, so the navigation is set for a series of links.

For page one, the "SCIENCE" window takes you to the next screen. You can also collapse and expand the "WORLD" bar minimize and maximize buttons. Also, the close window feature works for the "TRAVEL" bar.

For page two, the next screen link is located on the "VIEW ALL COMMENTS" bar above the "ADD COMMENTS" window.

For page three, the next screen link in located on the "LIVE VDEO CHAT" tab above the "RELATED VIDEO" Window.

For page four, the next screen link is located on the search bar on the top right of the screen.

Navbar in Flash

Here is the navigation bar without the content. It remains constant throughout the site. I would like to eventually get the clock working in real time.

View the navbar here