To view my presentation, click the link below:

Research and Development Project

Points of Improvement: 

Overall the presentation went well.

Although I ran over the 8 minute time limit, this was a minor issue.

It was said that the idea of my project was a clear and strong one, but some points were made out to me where the project idea could be developed further.

One of the suggestions made to me was to think about possibly including ‘multiple’ universes, each belonging to a different subject matter.

By doing this it would allow users/contributors to the project to be directed and hinted towards different topic starting points.

From this users will be able to voice their opinions around the starting points/topic of their chosen universe.

It was also suggested that I should think about how to manage certain drawings that may be created by individuals..

I will research into ways of managing/checking contributions made to the project.

– Michael

The brief for the project states that the Festival will be running from St Mary le Wigford Church right up to the Cathedral quarter, whilst also stretching out onto the restaurant strip at Brayford Wharf.

The formation of my project idea needs to have a location along this strip in mind.

Location Idea 1

At this moment I feel that the strongest location for my project instalment will be the strip running alongside Brayford Wharf.

My reasoning behind this decision is due to the modern buildings that are present in this location.

From visiting this area in the past I am aware that some of the buildings present large flat sides, which would be ideal for the projection of a project such as this.

However, from the previous mocks created for the displaying of this project, I feel that night will offer the best experience. As the projection will be clearer to see.

Location Idea 2

After looking into the actual buildings present alongside the Brayford in more detail, its evident that none of them make perfect candidates for the projection of this project.

From this I have the idea that a tent or make shift bubble could be constructed to house all components of the project (projector, screen, iPad stations and motion tracker station)

This idea seems to be more achievable, purely because this way, the installation of the project could be placed anywhere along the track of the Festival.

This also means the installation tent could be placed in areas that attract a lot of visitors, leading to more people contributing to the project.

– Michael

From the further research that has been carried out, I wanted to develop the ‘Planets of Change’ project idea by creating visual mocks of what the project might look like.

These mocks form a raw visualisation to help portray what visualisation I have for this project.

Planets of Change Mocks

– Planets In Orbit.

Obviously the projects title will not be visible when viewing the project, but the planets in orbit will revolve around the sun at the centre. The solar system will be able to be navigated through motion tracking.

– Planet Information

Clicking on a planet will zoom in on it to reveal its design more closely, similar to how the Moon project I researched into previously works. The name of the planets creator will be displayed (contributions can be made anonymous however), along with their attached message.

– Planet Orbit Display Mock

This was a quick mock of what the project may look like when displayed. My idea at this moment in time is to project the project display onto a large wall in a dark room, making the viewing of the project more spectacular to its audience.

There could also be stations around the room attached to iPads linked to the project. Meaning that visitors can contribute their own planets and messages to the project and see their planet come into the solar systems existence in real time.

There could also be a station situated at the front of the projection. Here a motion detector could be embedded into the flat surface of the (table) station. Through hand movement spectators will be able to navigate and explore the digital solar system.

– Planet Information Display Mock

This was again a quick mock to detail how the planet information could be viewed during the projection of the project.

– Michael

From looking into the previous project PIXEL, this led me to formulate further ideas for the project based around interactive projections.

I decided to explore the area of interactive projections more to see what else could be included into the idea for my project.

I came across a simple but yet interesting digital interaction project called Rotary Tumble.

This simple interactive piece makes use of motion tracking for interaction and sound when the projection is manipulated by the user.

I felt that in a simple way, the main component of this project (the manipulation by rotating the image), could be incorporated into my project idea.

From looking into this project it could be an idea that when viewing the project via a projection onto a wall, users will be able to manipulate the orbiting the planets and the rotation of each planet through motion detection and tracking.

I feel that this could add another dimension to the viewing of the project, enabling it to be engaged with by all ages.

– Michael

Wanting to develop my ‘Planets of Change’ project further, I felt I would try to research more into projects that make use of interactive projections.

PIXEL was a dance performance project that incorporates the use of a digital projection in coloration with movement.

The end result is simply mesmerising to watch and I would see this being extremely fun and enjoyable for the public to use, play and interact with.

With this project in mind I wanted to formulate ideas as to how my project idea could be developed further.

Further Idea Development

With the original idea of projecting the project on a wall in a blackout, dark room, to enhance the experience more projectors could be used. From watching the PIXEL dance performance I love the way in which the the projection rotates around the performer at 00:50, along with projections that look like stars.

My first impression was that this looked like a galaxy rotating.

From this I had the idea that rotating galaxies could be projected onto the floor, which can be manipulated by spectators simply by walking over them.

I feel this would enhance the viewing experience whilst also opening the doors to further engagement around the project idea.

However, I do not know how difficult this would be to create along with the project itself, but I feel that by adding a different dimension to the project, it will help create more engagement.

– Michael