Final Post

Click here to view the final .SWF

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.

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:

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

Image Comps

Assignment 3: Working Visual Aesthetic

Complete 6 compositions of visuals which will later become flash-based screens. Navigation through the 5 screens is required. Include 1 screen for the alternative platform. The content should be progressive in nature, which allows penetration into deeper levels of specific content.

Boards

Creative Brief

CNN Review Project

This assignment was given on Monday last week and I am very excited to get started! My initial thoughts were that the design of news media today is well polished, yet the content is inundated with negative vibrations. I immediately associate the "news" with bad news, so I am beginning to understand why the moral of the U.S. is at an all time low. I heard from an international citizen that the news is different in their country. He was shocked at the way news was delivered in the U.S. He pointed out that the news is delivered in ways that tease our attention, only to be held open to deliver commercials for commercial goods. In example the news caster on T.V. says, "Somebody just killed 27 people in Los Angeles, California...Do you know who it is? We do, stay tuned...then a commercial for the new Vanilla Cherry Ultra Razzberry Super-Max Coke with a twist of Artificial Lime comes on and we say, "Well, I might as well drink that shit because it might taste good and I will probably get killed by that psycho who's on the loose in my home town anyway!"

The alternative approach is becoming possible through the internet. The device for the delivery of the news in a fluid way is there, yet we need to step back and analyze the content.

What if all the news changed it's focus to GOOD news instead of aiming to instill fear to the masses. It can be argued that masses who are afraid are easier to control. It can also be argued that it is proven that when people hear GOOD news they are likely to feel better and in return feel more comfortable in their surroundings. When people are comfortable, they come "out their shell" and begin to bloom so to speak.

I understand the entertainment value of the news. I personally would rather hear the heroic story of a firefighter risking his life and successfully saving a child from a burning building, yet another may choose to be aware the current state of crime. It is similar to choosing to watch a horror film vs. a comedy or fantasy.

I propose a choice for the news before entering it...

Something that gives the power back to the individual user...

A method of personalizing the experience and asks the question, "How do you want to feel today?"

Some quick notes on possibilities are:

1. Interactive webcam control that monitors facial expressions while reading to be analyzed by the viewer in retrospect

2. Along with login entry, the ? is asked. "How do you want or choose to feel right now?"

3. Allow user to upload personally localized stories. This will enable self-importance and begs the question, "What about my life?"

More to come...

P.S. All constructive critiques welcome.