July 15th, 2010 - conversacube in the works
a conversacube for every kitchen table, bedroom, and bar around the world! never experience another uncomfortable moment!
My plan for the next few weeks is two work on several tracks in parallel. The first will be developing some documentation for the table – mainly fictional scenario videos that hopefully allow viewers to engage with the table even if they can’t physically try it. The videos will depict various situations in which the table might be used and how it could affect interactions. In these scenarios I hope to draw out some of the questions and contradictions that formed the inspiration for creating this table.
At the same time, I plan to move on to a different piece that iterates on some of the same ideas I started to explore with the table. The piece is tentatively named ‘Conversacube’ and it will be a small box meant to form the centerpiece of any conversation situation. The box would sit in the middle of all conversants, with one face facing each person. On the top will be some kind of dial or input method for setting the current situation (ex: “first date”, “at a funeral”, “dinner with the in-laws”). Each outward face of the box will have a small screen and a microphone embedded just inside. As the conversation progresses, each person will be personally prompted with directions or lines to keep the conversation running smoothly. The microphones will record audio levels (and perhaps tone?) and the prompts will be modified accordingly, to ensure conversation that is balanced by all participants.
The intent is to make something that on one hand, is suggestive of an actual tool that could use technology to potentially improve interactions, and on the other hand, critical of our dependence on technology and choreographed social routines, hinting at a dystopic future where we sacrifice all autonomy to avoid having to face what we don’t already understand. The questions that I’m trying to draw out, as with the table, deal with which of these directions we’re heading. Or is it both? Are we consciously aware of the future we’re building with all of our technological innovation and “progress”?
conversacube sketches
The modes of exploration with this piece will be in two veins, similar to the table. First, I want to create boxes and test them in the real world (coffee shops, bars, homes) and collect feedback from test users. Second, I want to create a series of short advertisements, that explain the product and suggest possible use scenarios and solicit more test users.
Next steps:
(1) physical design of conversocubes
(2) electronics design – obtain parts
(3) physical fabrication
(4) content creation / interaction design – what should the logic be for the prompts? how often and how much?
(5) testing in real world situations (find venues, participants, solicit feedback)
(6) video creation (storyboard, shoot, edit)
Pau (July 4th, 2010 at 8:28 pm)
Hi, Lauren
Again, a very interesting idea, I imagine that the two main
problems to face are: 1) electronics design: how to fit in the 4
screens and microphones so that they can actually collect the
sound from the person in front and not be affected by the other
participants, and almost more important, 2)interaction design:
how to make the prompts engaging and properly reflect the
situation described on the dial.
For the second part, I think it would be interesting to
collaborate with a script writer, if that is possible for you, or
someone with an experience in writing dialogues. The reason for
this is that I think the prompts will be more effective if you
can have an idea of how each of these conversations would
typically evolve. Additionally, It would be interesting if you
could have the device calculate the time between each user’s
interventions, in order to create specific messages for a user
that is too silent (this may also enhance the interaction between
the user and the machine).
Just some thoughts, I’m looking forward to see how this new
project progresses.
Best,
Pau
Lauren (July 6th, 2010 at 5:46 pm)
Hi Pau, I think you’re right, part two you have mentioned
(interaction design/content) will be critical to creating an
engaging experience for those that actually see and use the box in
a physical setting. I’m trying to get the technical aspects
together rather quickly so I can begin testing different prompts
asap. I’m also planning to do some paper and software prototyping
so I can start thinking about these questions while I design the
aesthetics and technical details of the conversacubes.
Greg J. Smith (July 12th, 2010 at 7:59 pm)
Is there really a desire here to make the tool “useful” it seems
like fun hyperbole to me – and that is fine.
Not that you don’t already have your hands full but it might be
neat if you have some kind of "http://boingboing.net/2010/02/26/bruce-sterling-expla-1.html">atemporality
dial that allows users to change the “decade” not just the social
situation. Your image of the 50s-style family makes me wonder is
the device specifically about the “choreographed social routines”
of this moment or are you trying to cast a wider net. Is this
device like a Beckett play or is it about the present? If it
addresses time & context it might allow for more permutations
of interactions. Regardless, I am thinking out loud right now – I
think this is fascinating.
As an object the ‘Conversacube’ seems very promising, I can’t
wait to see the results.