PROTOTYPE 3:
IDENTITY MAPS

Technical Exploration

–Try using pixel values as a way to create heightmap that will enable the distortion of the grid
–Or draw the image manually using illustrator to create the heightmap in order to generate the 3D image
–Alternatively, look at it froma graph perspective to control the convexity of the distortion
–Make a moodboard for the intended outcomes

Despite not being able to cover the last prototype on Affective Data Objects, I found that this week's consultation has been very insightful not only for studio work but also what I could discuss in my disssertaiton such as the limitations I face as a designers while developing scientifically accurate devices etc. Through this consultation I also gained a better sense of what my interface could be–what kind of tool do I intend it to be, something expressive or something scientific–coupled with the limitations, what is something that is acheivable by me.

Also from this consultation, instead of looking at vocal inputs in the form of volume, pitch and frequency, I gained a new perception on interpreting vocal data, looking at vocal patterns through the pause intervals between speech and the softness of the voice. This presents a new type of vocal data that can be used to extract personality connotations which I find is a more refreshing take on interpreting our voices.

Lastly, the discussion about systematic and transformative systems when displaying typography also allowed me to take a step back and kind of evaluate what I'm exploring in my work. Now I see that I was actually in a loop of using a systematic approach to creating typographic applications which resulted in me not progressing much in terms of visual exploration. But now with this information, I think I have a better idea of how the progressive approach which is the version I'm working on, is something different from what I was exploring in the previous weeks and maybe a step forward in my visual experimentation.

Here I experimented with text in a 3-dimensional space where the letterform extruded and outlined using circles. These visuals are then fed into a feedback loop with different levels and transform values that allow it to appear as if its evolving while it moves and blends into the next state of typography.

This week I've tried out different manners in which I could portray the idea of systems, data visualisations, identity and maps/grids. In the below sketch, I tried to utilise a particle system in creating the an illusion of grid convexity/distortions within a system. I referenced the tutorial by Simon Alexander-Adams

Despite the outcome not being exactly what I expected or hoped to acheive in terms of its data visualisation portrayal, I think that the techniques taught in this tutorial was really helpful. One of the techniques was the use of ramps as a way to 'mask' a shape or noise. By doing so I am able to contain a texture within a form, which I think will be very useful when I intend to craft or design something more specific within TouchDesigner.

After which, I moved to explore identity maps within a more materialised 3D treatment. In this tutorial by Noto The Talking Ball various techniques such as the use of noise, composites, feedback etc was covered. The tutorial only goes through the basics of how to create a heightmap, which left me stuck at the intial stages and unclear of how to move further with what I had. However, I did find that there was potential here for me to build further and explore with this as a basis.