Tag: interaction

ICM: Week 2 – Using variables and interactivity in Processing

This week, I used the same concept from last week but I used variables to reduce the amount of code I was drawing. I also added an interactive element. Now, when you use your mouse to move left to right across the screen, the background changes from 255 (white) to 0 (black). The alpha level of each bar is still set manually, and choosing how much to decrease the level was somewhat mathematical but the level doesn’t decrease evenly. (This became a problem the next week when I used objects to create the sketch.) I like how it looks like there’s so much more to drawing the bars than just a change of alpha level.

ICM Week 2

Color bars, Week 2

Gesture interfaces to getting a (fake) job – Part 2

I went to the Pace show last night and I tried out the School of Perpetual Training installation. My thoughts…

Actually, I think it’s rather difficult to design an interface using the whole body or using gestures in 3-D space. As I was interacting with the game, I found that I did not know which way I was expected to move my body. There are infinite possibilities within 3-D space and using this interface, there were no rules for how the interaction should occur.

I think this is one of the benefits choreographers and dancers have when moving in space. There are clear rules, based purely on aesthetic or artistic intent, that govern how movement should occur. As far as I can see, in terms of moving in 3-D space, with the purpose of interacting with a device, there are no rules defined. The result from last night: I felt, and I’m sure I looked, awkward.

And, actually, although it seems illogical or self-centered, I think most people do not want to look awkward. High-heels were invented to let ladies feel awkward, but look it we do not. It seems that making people look good while they use gesture-based input devices should be one of the top priorities for designers.