This could come off as a glib comment, but in honesty, I discovered that we were able to focus on developing the concept and deliberate aesthetic of the project instead of being overly-frustrated by the technology. This is invaluable to know since it’s relevant to other projects in a variety of fields.

I also learned that your first instinct in selecting a research direction usually turns out being the strongest idea. A couple of my classmates discovered that multiple people had actually come up with the text wall concept at the end of last term. The fact that we developed and actually had quite a successful outcome proves that your first instinct needs conviction and stamina to be carried through, because it’s not worth missing those opportunities of discovery.

For my own study for next term, I’m really interested in examining how media could be a negative and uncomfortable experience for people. I think it’s great how design and technology are used to improve society’s well-being, but it interests me more to examine it from the other end of the spectrum. How could we design streaming media to really provoke people, outside of conventional technology issues? That’s something I don’t get to read about or experience often.

building up tables with mdf wood

table presentation in class

preparing speakers and cloths to cover table

screens streaming diner table

plate attached mic

testing mic sound with fork and knife

camera for documentation

ready to go~

- Thread all cables through hole
- Run power cables to table with extension cables and plug in power outlets
- Plug in all screen power adapters & PowerBook power adapters
- Connect each PowerBook with the power adapters and to their screens
- Connect each PowerBook to the family’s wireless internet
- Connect the webcams to their corresponding computers (i.e. webcam 1 to Sunberg01)
- Open up iChat and test the video to make sure the webcam is correct
- Plug in the speakers’ powers and connect them to the PowerBooks’ headphone jack
- Plug in the placemats to the PowerBooks’ mic jack; make sure the mic is picking up the sound
- Once all the laptops are hooked up, check with the other group to make sure they’re hooked up
- Start a video chat with each corresponding laptop (i.e. Sunberg01-Leagues01)
- Make sure the screens are showing the correct webcam to the area each screen is facing
- Carefully close the screen of the PowerBook with the small piece of Styrofoam to keep it a little open
- Gently place the PowerBook into the table and place the cover on top

omg we were afraid we’d break the telly. The “third object” made it switch of and on so fast we could hardly keep up. Bending the sensor the right way needs a little bit of fiddling around, at least it makes you hug the pillow. The punch is working well too!

we made 4 little movies  (click on the images and a “YouTube” will pop up)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZboZVqCVqs4

Here’s what’s been completed:

1. The building of the box. All items: DVR box, channel selector, and wireless receiver were lovingly placed in a clear tupperware box. That tupperware box was placed inside a bigger box with several holes cut in it for ventilation and for the infrared remote to function.

2. Box platform with rubber feet installed to keep the box away from water.

3. Mat sensor wired and ready to go! Ping did an awesomeee job with this. I know we MDP kids are infamous in the shop. Apparently, the question of the day yesterday in the shop was, “how many MDP students does it take to put together two pieces of wood?”

4. As of 11:00 AM, all sink and sink related parts are set up at Julia’s house in her baby-sized kitchen for testing.

I’ll keep everyone posted on how things are going with the testing. So far, so good, though! Just a side note, too–I’m going to UPS to ship out a bunch of stuff for returns today.

That’s all, bye!

Julia

Over the course of the last couple days, I’ve been checking on their messages remotely, and it seems to have gone over like fire! They consistently text to each other, commenting on the day, reminders to do errands, and just general chat. It’s been two days, and I’d average at least one text every 10-20 minutes. It seems like the family has taken great interest in the project, and we are pleased that both the technology works, and the motivation to use it has been consistent.

All the electronic devices are boxed in and cushioned – ready to be placed into the “third objects” and tested.

Yes, the “third objects” are stuffed and have a convenience zipper included. They still need the “EYE” in the front for the  infrared.

The photos will explain everything better!

PS: Adam and I know what we want for Christmas!

Today we started flashy!

Once again I went to the fabric district to get some more of this red corduroy and I picked up some yellow fabric too. Back at the studio Adam drew me flashes with a magic pen (the color fades after a while), he also cut them out – what a great HELP.

In the meantime I made some “comic-pillow-what-to-do” cards for the families. I took Adam’s original doodle drawing, cleaned it up made some color adjustments and hand drew the directions inside.

I made the last pillow and added the flashes to it – I told myself I either have to redo the cards or just continue  sewing the flashes on the corduroy. It was one of those moments where you wish today was tomorrow.

But now the best news ever. Charles was communicating with Adam for programming the devices all this time. This evening Charles offered to come to the studio and THEY MADE IT WORK! Yes, it works! The make controller is programmed so it doesn’t need a computer, we have a servo motor, and a touch sensor….

Now we just have to build a little box for the all of this to sit in and put it in the “pillow with attitude”. So once they families start watching telly, the “third object” will interrupt – switch the telly off and on, and off again – in order to stop the “third object” from acting up, they need to give it some attention and hug it. AMAZING!!!!!!!

Tomorrow morning we need to buy some more electronic equipment. We also need to put zippers in the “pillows” which will allow easy batteries access.

Alright everyone cross your fingers – this will go smoothly.