Individual Artefact

Of all of the previous platforms and technologies we have explored in the past weeks, I have enjoyed utilizing the Triptech approach most. I feel that our outcome on After Effects made for an interesting visual piece and after recieving positive feedback I would like to develop this approach in my final artefact. I liked the urban city scape idea which was used in our previous piece so intend to explore this theme again in the form of a high- rise flat (in which I will have plenty of scope to experiment with giving that Liverpool has a wide range of metropolitan architecture). 

I would like my final piece to initially embody the exterior of a high rise flat which allows for exploration and interaction within certain windows.

The three windows which are lighted up will make the form of a triptech for aesthetic purposes, and will have moving images inside.

User interaction will be explored through being able to navigate around the different windows and explore different 'situatons' within each.

Interactive Video with YouTube

Using the annotations feature on YouTube was a very straightforward process which I enjoyed experimenting with. We wanted our video to have a challenging aspect (i.e have a gaming feel) ,and although the final outcome was quite monotonous it allowed us to explore and become familiar with the feature. If I were to develop this game further, I would've would add  more elements to the simple 'rock, paper, scissors' tools or possibly add a comic aspect by replacing the rock/paper/scissors with animals which in turn make the subjects within the frame act like whatever animal they choose.
                           
                                                                   Planning Stages

 

 

Our video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wIigiHTEMeI

Using Isadora

Although I found the programme quite tricky to use, it was in fact easier to operate than it looked (if logic is applied). We wanted our example to let the user decide for themselves which 'action' would take them to the next window, however if we were given more time we could've developed this to make it more cryptic and less simple. Although I did find the programme slightly pointless as the interactivity with the videos can only take place within Isadora.

This programme in particular is one which I would like to return to and explore further as I realise the potential in creating an impressive piece, like this motion recognition idea at Incheon International Airport. I see much potential in using interactive media within the business/public sphere as it makes for a much more effective outcome which grabs attention, rather than the simple one dimensional image or video.

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4CsOAddDw_s

QR Codes

I understand QR codes as an effective way of engaging the public and bringing media together to promote/inform/entertain in a more dynamic way however, if being truely honest, I didn't enjoy making our own codes. We came up with the idea of using the codes to create a leaflet shaped 'booklet' which gave the impression of telling a story about someone who was going through depression (through using QR voice, YouTube videos etc.) then the twist at the end takes the user to a YouTube video of a dog explaining his sadness which could perhaps give the viewer some relief as it changes the narrative... or does it?

Although I understand this exercise was an opportunity to explore the 'production' process involved in the creation QR codes and although the final outcome worked to an extent, I feel that my indifference towards the task comes from my passion in creating more aesthetic pieces of media rather than creating a story on different media/platforms which to me makes a narrative seen quite 'jumbled up'. But each to their own!

HOWEVER, speaking of aesthetics.. I did come across this website which is a creative agency that designs codes which "reach beyond the simple black squares" and "explore a range of creative designs with different colours, shapes and mediums, none of which interfere with the basic functionality of the codes."

 
http://jess3.com/qr-code-art/

My Triptech

When creating the triptech, I wanted to step outside the obvious and create a piece that blurred elements of reality and video footage, where the finished product looks futuristic.
I am pleased with the overall outcome as I feel that the contrast between the pace of the 'outside world' and the world within the screen works well and makes for an effective piece. If given the chance to do the exercise again, I would make the videos within the screen relate more to the primary figure and show clips of him rather than random clips with little correlation.

Because of time contraints we were forced to leave some ideas behind. At first I wanted the final piece to look as if the subject was watching himself in the screen but then realised this would take longer than the time assigned for the task. Another problem we encountered post-production was the presence of sound in the final video which was not intentional, but some videos that were repeated contained sound clips which also repeated themselves due to not having headphones when making the video in uni.

When showing the final piece to the tutors they were impressed with the alternative approach taken to the brief which steps outside the usual 'three screens in a row' technique. We also discussed how it might be a good idea to develop our approach further in our individual artefact assesment.