REplay

27 February 2011

23 February 2011

Flowers

The flowers in rePLAY forest will be handmade. Here are links to ideas and online tutorials inspiring the interactions design...

Buttons into flowers tutorial

Crochet wire flowers

Crochet pot flowers

Paper Cherry Blossom Display

Felting flowers

Origami flowers

Origami Tulip

Video sourced from Arts and Crafts for Adults

Annie.

22 February 2011

Design Update

*Above is a water colour design of one graphical fauna element *

So after everything has been done for the script it is time to start the creation process. To kick things off we have each been assigned personal deadlines for the project elements. I will be spending the next week concentrating on finalising some floral and leaf graphics so Fodhla can begin to work on the animation.

As well as this I will focus on the creation of the poster as part of the continuous assessment in the design module. I have got some concepts already drawn up and have picked what I feel to be the strongest one. The poster is due on March 1st and is worth 30% of the design mark of the project.

Alannagh.

16 February 2011

Arduino

Our Arduino board and starter kit arrived a few days ago.

First step is to download the Arduino Software.

The model of Arduino board used for rePLAY is the Duemilanove ATmega 328 microcontroller. It is a circuit board programmed via USB. I chose to use an Arduino over a keyboard hack because I feel it is well suited to the physical interface of the rePLAY project. It will provide a sturdy framework to the hardware.

Annie.

09 February 2011

Interactions Research

Inspiration for rePLAY interactions come from contemporary DIY craft movements and the refreshing change of attitude within the current economic recession to reusing, mending and sourcing second-hand goods rather than buying new disposable items. The soft sensor designs and circuits are also inspired by wearable technologies, gadget technology hacking, traditional children’s toys and my love of crafts and the environment.

Researching contemporary crafts using yarn and conductive yarn, and conductive fabrics & conductive paints has led to the development of circuits for rePLAY that integrate the wiring plan into the physical design. The wiring becomes camouflaged as an end-user decorative feature. To develop the technology needed, I have researched the use of existing soft circuits and DIY low tech sensors in multimedia exhibitions. Along with looking into the current use of craft based interactions in post-graduate multimedia projects.

As interactions designer I will create a variety of soft circuits handmade from craft material, fabric and yarn. From a play perspective the texture of soft material seems interesting to touch and explore. I like this for rePLAY because sensors hidden in fabric are very different to everyday technology input-devices that adults use.

Sensors using conductive materials are also interesting and attractive to look at. Soft circuits are to technology, what soft furnishings are to a home; they make it more personal, warm and comfortable.

Below are examples of existing projects I found online. Click the links to view short video clips of each project in action.