Exploring Narrative through Space- Contemporary Media Issues

In this weeks lesson we learned how narrative can be communicated through various modes, and in the exercise we explored how space can contribute to a given narrative. I found this session very enjoyable as we were split into groups and allowed to explore the screen school to present our story. Firstly, each group was given a start- off location and a statement to mark the beginning of the narrative- ours was "It was inevitable, the smell of almonds would always remind me of the fate of unrequited love". From this we decided to create a story centered around the memory of a first time love experience. We created photographic images of these memories and placed them around various parts of the screen school so those experiencing the narrative could get a spacial feel of the story and we added a time- travelling element through making use of the elevator to create a time portal. At the end of the exercise we got a chance to view the other group's narratives which was really fun as each provided a different experience. Overall I really enjoyed this experience and it provided an effective introduction to time/space narrative.

In this class we were also introduced to our next assignment which involves incorporating this technique of Location based narrative through google maps. The location I was assigned to is Otterspool Park and Promenade, so in my group we must devise a narrative starting at this point which moves to four or so other locations throught the world on the therme of Favourite Places/Hidden spaces. I look forward to starting this task after Christmas.

Presenting our game- Contemporary Media Issues

In last weeks lesson we had to present our games to the class through prezi's and at the end of each presentation we received valuable feedback relating each game. This was not only beneficial for each group to learn of what others thought of the play experience, but as a class we had the opportunity to view and enjoy each unique game. The positive feedback at the end of my presentation proved the class's interest in our game 'Scan Arcade' as we received comments regarding the structure and 'fun' element to the game, with a overall desirable 'prize'. Here is the Prezi which was shown: http://prezi.com/rvmh4a5q_2w3/scan-arcade/

Contemporary Media Issues- Designing a play experience

Within the past few weeks of our Contemporary Media Issues class, we have been given the task of designing a play experience for uses of the Screen School building. Living in the 21st century and from observing the class's choice of games in a previous lesson, I realized that a game centered around digital technology would best attract users of the Screen School. So in our group we came up with the idea of using Smart Phones as the basis of our game 'Scan Arcade'; where users enter an online community of other gamers within the building who each challenge each other in order to get top of the leader board.

The games include various arcade games such as Pacman and Tetris, and we thought it would be a good idea to introduce a new game each week, decided by the winner of the previous week. The simple scanning nature allows for self explanatory, speedy access to the game along with the various 'scan-points' around the building in communal areas such as the cafe, lifts and corridors. The virtual feel of the game allows for tension to be raised as competitors can see the fate of their fellow contestants on the screen of their smart phones through their user profiles showing their photo, and at the end of each day the leader board presents the winning competitors. Due to the technological nature of the game, a teenage market is ideal for Scan Arcade as today's teens are at one with the fast moving digital world.

Lego Serious Play 17th November

In keeping with the theme of 'Play', last Thursday's Creativity and Concept lesson introduced Lego Serious Play which is described as an "innovative, experimental process designed to enhance innovation and business performance". This definition was certainly brought to life whenever we got playing with the lego, and as we were given different tasks, the outcome of our ideas proved our individuality and versatility. Our first task was to each make a tower and let our imaginations flow, which I found interesting as many different outcomes were produced.

Next we had to make another tower incorporating what each of us brought to a team. So in mine I emphasized how I am a good listener by making an ear-like structure, as the willingness to listen is at the core of a good team.

Lastly, we each made a new model to represent factors which are core to a team, in which I built a machine-like structure symbolizing the importance of co-operation. The cogs show how all components must work together in order to succeed, much like a machine.

Finally we joined all of our models together and structured them in a line, carefully placing them in order of where they each stand in the process of a new idea or challenge.

Contemporary Media Issues

Ludology

Today's lesson threw us into the depths of 'play' as both a challenge and a learning platform. In a wider sense, the 'game' has developed a more diverse meaning; The media industry reflects the relevance of this in a modern world where television shows, video games and almost anything that involves user interaction incorporates elements of play.

In our small groups we were each given a different game ranging from basic board games to x-box/wii computerized games, and spent the lesson enjoying the freedom of this in a classroom environment (a rare sight). In my group we decided to play the well-known 'Who am I' game where components aim to guess which famous character they have stuck to their forehead (usually with a post-it note) through asking a series of questions to the other players. Surprisingly I found this game quite challenging and is actually harder than it looks. Specific skill is not needed in this game as there is no definite winner, however, knowledge of the music/tv industry is vital in order to tell a good player from bad. An element of chance could be associated with the game through the guessing factor, but all in all, a knowledgeable brain is vital in order to impress.

Blog Catch up- Creativity and Concept

In the last few classes we continued to explore the different types of creativity through Divergent and Convergent thinking methods.

3rd Nov

Today we re-capped on the various techniques of generating creativity and in our groups we displayed the different characteristics of these methods of Divergent and Convergent thinking. Below are some examples:

In this session we also discussed IDEO and their approach to the principles of user centered design, and created a solution to an everyday problem encountered by users of the Screen School.

13th Oct

Session Three involved designing a brief to produce a new product for the Screen School. In the Automatic we were introduced to DeBono cards and random word sheets to stimulate ideas in order to come up with a creative and original outcome. We also used Michael Michalco's brainbox technique; all tools for divergent thinking.

In this session we also employed DeBono's Plus, Minus and Interesting technique which is a way of weighing the pros, cons and implications of a decision. I found this to be a lucid and straightforward device for reviewing ideas.

27th Oct

In this session we explored Design Thinking and were given the task of designing a new snowmobile for the imaginary 'Snow Fun' company, which presented us with the challenge of creating an outcome with both original and do-able characteristics. Our next task was to create an additional product for the company and finally a product which was not snow-related at all, through random stimulus. In this class we were also introduced to SCAMPER as a creative thinking technique; I found this approach interesting and effective as it generated an additional body of outcomes upon our initial idea through the following steps:

S – Substitute – components, materials, people.

C – Combine – mix, combine with other assemblies or services, integrate.

A – Adapt – alter, change function, use part of another element.

M – Modify – increase or reduce in scale, change shape, modify attributes (e.g. colour).

P – Put to another use.

E – Eliminate – remove elements, simplify, reduce to core functionality.

R – Reverse – turn inside out or upside down, or use Reversal.

week three Digital Media Tools

In this weeks Digital Media Tools class we had to bring in photographs which we had taken and alter them in photoshop. In my image I separated the colours of the foreground and the background to draw the eye to the main focus. I then adjusted the brightness and contrast to produce a more striking effect. After alteration we uploaded them to Flickr, below shows my outcomes before and after:

week three Contemporary Media issues

For todays class we had to bring in an article about media which we found and make a Wiki on Wetpaint under our various genres of media. I found Wetpaint fairly straightforward to use but not as enjoyable as other sites we have recently been introduced to like Prezi. Nevertheless our finished article on Music as a media topic proved effective as we were able to add our threads on the forum which were easily accesible enjoyable to follow: http://contemporarymediaissues.wetpaint.com/page/MUSIC

A mix i did last week, let your ears do the judging

http://soundcloud.com/orlaghd/headspace

City by night

6.pm Sunday evening at the Metropolitan Cathedral

week two Contemporary Media Issues

Used Prezi for the first time on Tuesday's class and was very impressed! Unlike the 'old skool' Powerpoint facility which we have all dreaded using during our time at secondary school, Prezi's straightforward layout allows you to make presentations in a 'fun' and engaging way. (No I am not a spokesperson for Prezi.com..) Within minutes I was able to grasp all of the features such as zooming into particular pieces of information and incorporating URL's. I really look forward to using this software again.

Blog one of many to come

I am a 19 year old Irish student about to begin my new journey in Media Profesional Studies which is starting to look like the best decision i've made so far, as immersing myself in the world of media is something that comes second nature to me and having the opportunity to meet new people and see different places is an added bonus. Although the media plays a large role in my everyday life, my main interest at the minute is music; ask any of my friends and they will tell you that my dream is to become a superstar dj (everyone can dream). My experience with music to date ranges from learning the guitar at the age of 15 to creating my own music on software like Ableton and more recently experimenting with programmes like Virtual Dj. When im not jamming or watching Come Dine with Me I enjoy taking photos of anything that catches my eye; I have a great appreciation for colour and patterns and I take my camera everywhere with me so that no opportunities are missed, which also allows me to re-visit these visual memories whenever I like- which for me is the real beauty of photography. From this you could probably gather that I am a very observant person and the visual world plays an active part in influencing my thoughts and opinions, hence why I have undertaken a degree in MPS. Although I dont have much experience of producing film/tv, I look forward to exploring these aspects within the course and developing my own style. I would say that creativity is at the heart of my personality and the ability to create is my forté in life.