1 / Affective Data Objects Update
2 / Cohort Sharing
AFFECTIVE DATA OBJECTS UPDATE
Following up on the user-testing done in the previous weeks, under the prototype improvment section, multiple participant have susggeste the idea of incorporating data objects or expanding the range of objects to cater to a wider spectrum of emotional states. Also, in this development, I intend to create data objects that focus on a mixture of emotions such as sadness + joy, anger + confusion etc. in the form of a hybrid data object.
From a more technical perspective, I experimented with new methods and effects within Blender. In particular, I referenced these two tutorials, Tutorial 1 and Tutorial 2. From the first tutorial, I learnt to use particle system modifier as a way to generate similar shape elements, using the number of stepst to control the multiplicty of the generated elements and lastly by adding a 'turbulence' effect, this can distort the elements. In the second tutorial, it utilises the wireframe modifier, together with the subdivide function to create a hollow inner form and finally contort the form using 'simple deform' modifier. All in all, I think that the tutorials helped alot in refining my understanding about modifiers and the capabiltiies of such tools in improving the efficacy of the design process. Additionally, these tutorials posed as a Blender refresher for me as I haven't been practising with the software much over the previous semester.
Designing with the idea of hybridity in mind, I took a more subtle approach, instead of of having very contrasting texture or shape form within a data object, I kind of designed data objects that embraces two or more emotional qualities to form a new data object design, like an in-between of emotional states.
Though some considerations must be taken here as the subtle approach may not invoke a strong impression on the audience. The disadvantage of this approach comes from the lack of stark contrast between shape forms which may hinder the user's ability to distinguish differences in emotional states between these data object designs.
Therefore, users may have a difficult time trying to interpret what emotional qualiies are being conveyed. As s a result, constructing a sense of identification with the user would be challenging when users are unsure about what are the data objects representing and which should they identify as.
COHORT SHARING
This week's cohort sharing covered very intriguing topics that provided me with new perspectives into approaches and methods into the design process. Here is a presentation by Nadia on the concept of Masala films and its usage of painting techniques.
This concept was also explored through various developments, one of which that particularly caught my eye was the use of paint as a medium to convey the emotional transitions across a long canvas. I found the way she visualised her emotional evaluation of each sceme from the films in a data viz format detailed and provides a cohesive summary of how the emotion is derived.
Another presentation that I found insightful was the project by Sammi. Her project focuses on the use of knitted material as a communication device in presenting text, emotions etc, which allowed me to relate to my Affective Data Object development as well. The part about her research on the workshop conducted to engage participants in cross-stitching their own emotions was very cool as the patterns made by each participant was unique and handmade which gave a sense of connectedness to the knitted outcome.
In addition, the part about using knitted works to convey text and create typography in the form of a morse code was thought provoking. I really liked this idea as it presents people with a way of silent communication, or in the context of her research on LGBTQ community, silent protesting. This made for an effective and powerful message to the society.
