I don't even know where to begin. But I have to, and I'm grateful that this post marks the end.
Cultural Context
I know that usually “cultural context” usually covers things like “a western middle class society” or “the artistic sphere in the UK”, but I think that by this stage of the year everyone already knows what an absolute trainwreck this course has been. I’d like to preface this by saying I really appreciate the help I’ve received from my tutor David this semester. But zooming out and seeing the fragmentation of class morale, the growing tribal mentality, and the fact that other students seem to magically be able to get good grades with no visible effort - very discouraging. And I’m not trying to blame others for my own failings, but I personally feel like under different circumstances the work I might have produced would have turned out vastly different. In a wider cultural context - it’s another art project made by a graduating design student for a grade. I don’t think I’ve changed lives, or made significant strides for humanity. It is what it is.
Successes and Weaknesses
I think the artefact itself looks good. The heart, sufficiently realistic that it’s recognisable as a large heart, but also a good size and very nice to touch and poke at. Using silicone was a tough call financially, but I think the decision paid off. The texture of the heart really adds to the overall experience of interacting with it, although with the few tests I managed to squeeze in, those unfamiliar with the button placements tended to need a few tries to get them triggered. The overall setup could be better - since I only covered up with wiring and Arduino components with a folded fleece blanket, I know that this exhibit would not stand well to the wear and tear of a real audience. But then again since it no longer needs to, I’m not too bothered by that. Given the chance I’d like to refine the presentation, for example sealing up the back of the heart (with all the wires) with maybe a custom laser cut piece of clear acrylic. I could also use the acrylic piece to help secure the heart onto the plinth. I’m satisfied with the final audio clips used in the artefact, but my inability to successfully connect the button commands to a corresponding visual using Unity was a big failure, and takes away a big part of the intended outcome.
Conceptual Evolution
Vox Memoria was created with the intention of triggering memories. To gain insight into what sounds trigger what types of memories, I ended up conducting a survey, which was restricted to my classmates due to ethics protocols. I fully understand the importance of the proper procedures required to protect participants from harm, but would have appreciated the flexibility to conduct the survey on a wider audience once it was deemed unharmful. From my results, I came to the conclusion that it was very tough to create an inclusive and positive experience for everyone given my existing timeline and data. That was the reason why I made the call to create the final audio mixes based on my own past experiences, specifically focused on my year in the UK.
Cultural Context
I know that usually “cultural context” usually covers things like “a western middle class society” or “the artistic sphere in the UK”, but I think that by this stage of the year everyone already knows what an absolute trainwreck this course has been. I’d like to preface this by saying I really appreciate the help I’ve received from my tutor David this semester. But zooming out and seeing the fragmentation of class morale, the growing tribal mentality, and the fact that other students seem to magically be able to get good grades with no visible effort - very discouraging. And I’m not trying to blame others for my own failings, but I personally feel like under different circumstances the work I might have produced would have turned out vastly different. In a wider cultural context - it’s another art project made by a graduating design student for a grade. I don’t think I’ve changed lives, or made significant strides for humanity. It is what it is.
Successes and Weaknesses
I think the artefact itself looks good. The heart, sufficiently realistic that it’s recognisable as a large heart, but also a good size and very nice to touch and poke at. Using silicone was a tough call financially, but I think the decision paid off. The texture of the heart really adds to the overall experience of interacting with it, although with the few tests I managed to squeeze in, those unfamiliar with the button placements tended to need a few tries to get them triggered. The overall setup could be better - since I only covered up with wiring and Arduino components with a folded fleece blanket, I know that this exhibit would not stand well to the wear and tear of a real audience. But then again since it no longer needs to, I’m not too bothered by that. Given the chance I’d like to refine the presentation, for example sealing up the back of the heart (with all the wires) with maybe a custom laser cut piece of clear acrylic. I could also use the acrylic piece to help secure the heart onto the plinth. I’m satisfied with the final audio clips used in the artefact, but my inability to successfully connect the button commands to a corresponding visual using Unity was a big failure, and takes away a big part of the intended outcome.
Conceptual Evolution
Vox Memoria was created with the intention of triggering memories. To gain insight into what sounds trigger what types of memories, I ended up conducting a survey, which was restricted to my classmates due to ethics protocols. I fully understand the importance of the proper procedures required to protect participants from harm, but would have appreciated the flexibility to conduct the survey on a wider audience once it was deemed unharmful. From my results, I came to the conclusion that it was very tough to create an inclusive and positive experience for everyone given my existing timeline and data. That was the reason why I made the call to create the final audio mixes based on my own past experiences, specifically focused on my year in the UK.
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