Testing Testing Texting…

This week, the Text Wall group tested out variations in the visuals and instigation methods.

We tweaked colors to see what was more visually appealing. It seems that most of us are more receptive to either monochromatic schemes or schemes with colors that are close to each other on the color wheel. As makers and designers, we always have to consider minute details such as color, size and speed. We also have to consider the constraints or affordances we have (i.e. budget, time, technology know-how, etc.). These small variables can make or break projects, so it was important for us to test those elements out this week.

We also wanted to see how we could instigate text messaging. On Day 1, we designated an anonymous person to send out random text message questions to each of our phones. On Day 2, we sent out images via email and on Day 3, we did not implant any instigative methods. We wanted to see how people responded to these three ideas. All three methods have been successful in their own ways, and each person who participated in the experiment so far has been interpreting the Text Wall differently.  We will be furthering our understanding of our instigative methods over the next few days and applying the research we conducted last semester on these families to enhance the experience.

What we’ve been learning as we experiment on this Text Wall is that the wall can serve a variety of purposes. It’s a space for such things as storytelling, for rants and raves, for typically missed emotions and connections, and for good jokes and laughter. It’s a space that can provide voice to those that usually don’t have a voice in their home or environment. It’s a space that can cause confusion, but can also allow for clarity. We’re excited to see how the families will utilize this particular project and plan to conduct post interviews to get their opinions on the activity and its impact on the family.

Table Project: How streaming media can affect family rituals.

Last week, we set up a web cam in the cafeteria here at Art Center. The web cam was fixated on a single table from above. By placing a web cam over the dinner table, we are turning a family ritual into a ritual around streaming media. How does this change the conversation around the dinner table? We are also looking at the idea of co-presence. By streaming a second family into the home, we are touching upon existence value. Do the families interact with each other as they eat? We are looking for ways to make the interaction meaningful. Does the interaction make this experiment sticky?

Cafeteria Webcam Experiment 01

Cafeteria Webcam Experiment 02

For the next iteration of this project, we set up two tables with web cams, and added projectors pointed towards the table. We found this iteration to be troublesome. The feed could not be seen very clearly in normal room light. Even after shutting off the lights, the feed was still hard to decipher. These problems have allowed us to focus on using plasma screen televisions. If we turn the plasma screen into a table, we can get a clearer stream of the families.

Proposal 2: For this version of our project, we are aiming to have the family’s dinner experience altered by having the second family being streamed on a plasma screen located at the end of the table.

This is the new technology chart for our project.