mx::project two final

This portfolio page is intended as a timeline of sorts. The portfolio has been broken down into several years. When the user clicks on different years, it moves them back and forth over the timeline itself.

I made my site's navigation very minimal, with different colors to designate different years or parts of the portfolio. The clickable thumbnails are points on the timeline, which allows for the different works to be arranged in chronological order.

The part I struggled most with was perhaps the Actionscripting. Well, until TweenLite came into my life. Thank you, Greensock.

View it live!

mx::reading responses

The Interface: p.63 - 78

In this section of the reading, I was quite fascinated by the connections drawn between graphic interfaces and the design aesthetics established by the Blade Runner movie. In essence, it seems that Macintosh and Blade Runner provided the wireframes for the basic GUI, whereas subsequent companies and/or individuals gave these wireframes the design through which we know them today.

But I was especially interested in the part where the author ruminates on how the role of the computer has changed, from "being a particular technology…to a filter for all culture…" (p.64) But this is by no means surprising, when we consider the nature of technological innovations in general. Condensing many parts into less or even a singular unit seems to be a basic trend as far as new technologies go: think of how modern CD players could play CDs, and tune into radio stations. Or, even more currently, separate CDs versus all the songs being loaded into one iPod. (with room to spare.) So its really not that surprising that our computers today could almost render things such as TVs, radios, calculators, etc obsolete.

Cinema: p.78 - 93

Some interesting points are brought up this section. The author wonders wonders how "a language designed by a rather small group of people that is immediately adopted by millions of computer users." Its not because we're "wired" to this sort of thing. Rather, it is thanks to familiar cultural forms. This reminded me of how high school language teachers often instruct students on new languages. They're often shown images (people, food, animals, etc.) that we can all recognize and through this familiarity taught another way to say "apple", for example.

The section where they talked about how computer games utilize cinematic elements such as the implementation of a dynamic point of view was pretty intriguing as well. It reminded me of childhood days spent playing the Legend of Zelda games. One of the best features of the game's interface was the control over the player's camera angle. A single joystick allowed the user to toggle the angle, and even the proximity to the character. Or, they could even simply press the "Z" button (which later coined the term, "Z-Targeting") to automatically orient the camera to their character's straight-on perspective.

Some games don't allow their users to have too much control over this feature, instead letting the AI attempt to preempt where the user might need to view. This lack of control however, is mostly just frustrating.

The Screen and the User:

I was most interested in this section of the explorations of the screen as something that is "dynamic." The idea of a screen is simple enough. A square/rectangular frame that is essentially a window or portal into a virtual space. There is of course, some suspension of disbelief. (just like in cinema) Our files and documents do not actually folders, icons, etc. Rather these are merely the forms that we interact with them in. All our texts and documents are simply bits and pieces of binary code.

But its definitely true how our "viewing regime" is made possible by the full screen viewing. It's something that we often take for granted or forget entirely; until the resolution is off, or the screen image is misaligned and this break in the illusion becomes glaringly annoying.

The reading goes on to note how historically, the screen has always been a simple rectangular object - one that we view from the comfort of our seats. Thus, I'm very much interested in what happens when this classical window is expanded, into virtually everything around us.

I'd like to make a note at this point on the term "virtual reality." Up until last semester, I was often wary about the term because it sounded so…dated. Instead of technological change and innovation, the term called to mind campy science fiction movies from the early 80s and 90s. Thus, I was happy (relieved?) to find a more suitable alternative when I was looking through some of GE's new site features: "Augmented reality." The phrase certainly has the right connotations. The term "virtual," while true that it implies that it doesn't exist outside of the software, imposes separate boundaries between our world and the simulated. "Augmented" on the other hand implies more of an integration with the real world, with the technology making it something greater than it actually is.

multimedia exp::prototype alternatives

Idea #1:

Layout of the site has been split up into different sections - clicking on the different headers moves the content in from the right, and simultaneously moves the work thumbnails in from the left.

Idea #2:

Moving away from the vertical layout of my original prototype, I arranged the site content into a more open format. The clicking and moving of the user through the page gives the opportunity to see perhaps how the site is composed.

Idea #3:
Reorganized the layout into a horizontal format

vis ad::fight back (seniors)

Fight Back: Teaching senior citizens to spot scams/frauds

In an effort to combat the large amount of scams that target senior citizens every year, "Fight Back" encourages awareness and dialogue through informational booklets. This project seeks to educate senior citizens to spot and identify different types of frauds that often target this vulnerable demographic. These booklets are made readily available at no cost for seniors at local pharmacies, nursing homes, etc. The material helps to educate readers about different types of scams: healthcare, telemarketing, online, etc. While they are intended for seniors, people of any age can use it as well.

vis ad::senior thesis considerations

The senior thesis project is a topic that I've been grappling with for quite some time. I’ve written a number of questions that I’ve asked myself: What do I feel passionately about? What message do I want to send about design? Where do I see myself in regards to being an advocate? What is my place in this world as a designer? Do I want to pursue something I’m comfortable with, or try something radically new? But this exercise only engendered more questions than answers. After a time, I came to realize that I'm not much of an advocate of anything. This realization was a sobering one. Like most people, I do care about the state of our environment, and the whole "green" movement, but I wouldn't go so far as to call myself passionate. Our readings in studio have definitely made more aware of issues that we as designers must also consider. The Adbuster article made me realize that we cannot always rely on the clients we work with to set ethical standards. Instead, we have to establish our own. However, as thought-provoking as this proved to be, I don't think I would work with it for an entire semester.
After graduating, I do hope to work with web and interactive graphics. I am deeply fascinated by the level of depth and interaction that can be achieved though flash interfaces, etc. But the coding languages behind it are something of interest as well. (Whether it’s CSS, Ajax, jQuery, simple HTML, Actionscript, etc.)
As a general starting point though, I am avidly interested in new technology and its effects on our design considerations. There are numerous concept platforms on the horizon, many of which could even radically change how we perceive screen-based graphics now. I’ve seen ideas that break past the simple horizontal screen format, and begin to explore more organic to circular forms. There are a lot of designers out there who have been wary how permeated with technology our lives have become. Now, when we design something, we often need to consider how it might appear on a screen as well. Some embrace this. Some run like hell.
But I don't see it as the end of print media. Rather, technology can help to augment our visual experiences. (I’ve often had this “print versus digital” discussion with friends and fellow designers. Discussion has often been heated, often to the point where the two could be likened to archetypal conflicts such as ninjas versus pirates or humans versus mutants.) I’m very hopeful of where we are in design and technology, as well as where this path will eventually lead us as visual artists.

multimedia exp::further layouts

design systems::branding+apps

Revised version of my smart card system:

Fonts used were Helvetica Neue and Briem Akademi.

multimedia exp::design directions

multimedia exp::profile page design 1 + wireframes

One of our design directions. Used primarily earth tones. Profile page is navigated via a tabbed interface. Pages, videos and user-uploaded images can all be linked with search tags, which help to categorize and organize them.

Logo design for the site:

desn sys::logo directions

multimedia exp::wireframing + ideas

Stylesheet with possible typeface combinations, color palettes, etc.

multimedia exp::individual poster (final)

multimedia exp::brainstorming

Need: Young antiquers looking for quality stores that don't sell low-quality, worn-out goods. (Unless that's what you're looking for.)

Solution: Rating system through which they can evaluate the stores they visited, vendors dealt with, satisfaction with purchase. Can upload images, comments, reviews, etc. Customer base. Unifying symbol system for online and analog usage - for identifying different attributes of the store.

Need: To connect with other collectors of like items, etc.

Solution: Local web. Search tags, self tagged so that other people can search for like minded people. Friends list?

Need: To learn more about the object that they find.

Solution: Collective source - similar to a Wikipedia type of information gathering/editing.

Need: Personal expression - to display their collection, allow other users to see what they've amassed, etc.

Solution: User online space where they can post purchases, finds, project, profile information. Online gallery space.

Need: To learn how to create new objects from what they've bought.

Solution: Outlet through which they can post tutorials, workshops, and the like. Step-by-step with photos, videos, etc. Live chats with more experienced artisans in the community.

multimedia exp::individual poster process

visual advocacy::narrowing focus

Scams on the Elderly

Some issues to consider:

1.) A vulnerable demographic

As a whole, older generations are targeted for numerous reasons. Chief among them is the fact that they possess the greatest percentage of disposable income with the least amount of debt. (SocialPC) In addition, roughly 80% of people over the age of 65 have at least one major health problem, and thus spend a considerable amount of their monthly budget on health care.

2.) Reluctance to report

Another major issue is the reluctance of the victims to report any instances of scamming/fraud. This is primarily because they are concerned that their family may come to the conclusion that they no longer have the mental capacity to take care of his or her own financial affairs. Personal independence is still a very important thing, and they don't want to seem helpless or dependant on others.

3.) Numerous types of fraud

There are a myriad of different scams that these older generations are often presented with. To name a few:

• Jury duty summons - A caller claims to be a Jury Coordinator. If you protest that you never received a summons for jury duty, the scammer asks for your social security number and date of birth so he/she verify the information and cancel the supposed arrest warrant. By disclosing this information results in a stolen identity.
• Bogus Foreign Lotteries - You are informed of a large lottery win, but have to send off administration, taxes, and other fees in order to claim winnings.
• Social Security Administration - People posing as SSN Administration claim that you have been overpaid on your benefits and owe the government back payments. The con-man escorts the victim to the bank to withdraw the overpayment.

design systems::possible industries

1.) Place - Venice

The city of Venice has been called many names: "Queen of the Adriatic", "City of Water", "The City of Light", etc. With a population of roughly 271,000, the city stretches across 118 small islands in the Venetian Lagoon along the Adriatic Sea in northeast Italy. Venice is a place that is often associated with mystery intrigue. Not surprisingly, it has been featured in countless books, movies and poems. With the role the city has played in the arts, Venice was also one of the major destinations for young upper-class Europeans throughout the 1600 - 1800s embarking on the Grand Tour.

Resources:

Wiki

City of Venice

2.) Idea - 'Smart Cards', contactless payment

Essentially, smart cards are pocket-sized cards which are embedded with integrated circuits that can process data. These items are most often associated with the idea of "touch and go" payment - where users can load money into their cards and use it to pay for thing such as gas, bus fare, etc.

While some US cities already have systems similar to this - the cards still have a limited application. (For example, while the Boston transit system has a reusable card system known as the Charlie Card, it can only be used on the subways.)

Perhaps the best example of this system would be Hong Kong's "Octopus Card", which is used for virtually all public transport in the city. But its use extends beyond train fare - the Octopus Card can also be used as payment at convenience stores, supermarkets, fast-food restaurants, parking meters and even vending machines. The Octopus Card has been recognized internationally, winning the Chairman's Award at the World Information Technology and Service Alliance in 2006.

The implementation and use of smart cards/contactless payment in cities like Kansas City would greatly facilitate day to day life, as well as provide a more environmentally friendly option to signing receipts for credit/debit cards and writing checks, etc.

Resources:

Hong Kong Octopus Card

HK Travel

Boston Transit

Wiki - SmartCards

Wiki - Contactless Payment

3.) Energy - Solar

Solar energy has been a prominent presence in the green movement. But while many corporations and groups have started to utilize solar energy, it is still a rather expensive alternative for the average consumer. Put perhaps through design we can present consumers with small steps towards solar energy.

Resources:

SolarHome

American Solar Energy Society

Wiki - Solar Energy

visual advocacy::research

Scamming and the Elderly

While scam artists have always preyed on the gullible, in recent years, much of their focus have been turned towards the elderly. It is quite a well known fact that the elderly possess the greatest percentage of disposable income with the least amount of debt. Scam artists prey upon these people with unrelenting deception. It is not a problem that will just go away.

But what is it that makes this demographic such an ideal target?

First we must analyze the different "red flags" which identify certain members of the elderly as targets for scams. First off, these older consumers are often living alone, with no one else to watch their finances for them. Being alone, they are often very appreciative and receptive of guests, especially those who pay a visit even to sell them something which will be of benefit to them or their homes. They are also very receptive to anything promising

assistance to their health conditions or home repair requirements. The older generations are also preyed upon because of how trusting they are; whereas younger, more savvy age groups know better than to disclose personal information.

Sources:

SocialPC

SeniorPro

Balance.com

multimedia exp::antique survey

hello, antiquity!

1.) Physical boundaries

Vintage clothing, furniture, relics, glasses, records, decanter

s, etc etc. Sculpture, paintings, old medical, optometrists' equipment.

Our community is geared towards younger generations who are looking for an online community about antiques and the collecting of them.

2.) What's / who's involved

People from ages 16 to 25, anyone who is interested in antiques, vintage items, etc. Old furniture, clothing, etc. Pushing antiques as a alternative to new furniture.

3.) Equipment needs

Vintage, antique items. Camera to take quality pictures of goods/relics y

ou're selling. Pricing guides.

4.) Demographics

Enthusiasts ages 16 to 25, who care about antiques.

5.) Individual and community wants and needs

On the individual level, antique collectors are looking for a sense of quality assurance. Commonly used online outlets like Ebay or Craigslist often don't have pictures of the antiques they're selling, or have fees which drive potential buyers and sellers away from the site.

Also, they're looking for community suggestion outlets, a rating system, etc.

(Think Amazon/Ebay user stars, etc.)

• tutorials
• pick of the week/day/whatever
• local finds
• buyer's guide

6.) Symbols

Optometrist's lens.(?) Markers of the community could be icons of universally recognized antique items. (Gramophone, records, glasses, pocket watches, furniture, etc)

7.) Motivations

Antique enthusiasts are often motivated by different drives - for some it's the act of collecting objects that they're interested by (Buttons, vintage luggage, typewriters, etc) or just as some described it, "the thrill of the hunt," or "taking other people's treasures and making it your own."

Others seek out antiques because they hope to furnish their home/apartment with them. (Perhaps looking to achieve a certain look or feel.) So I guess this is a motivation for home decoration?

multimedia exp::url and hosting

Possible hosts:

hostmonster

lunarpages

URL ideas:

sheilawong.com (domain taken by some professional image consultant.)

wongdesign

sheila-wong

swong

...More name plays to follow.

I'm finding having to think up domain names somewhat difficult, it feels almost overly self-righteous for some reason.

iq font::find+share

iQ Font - When Driving Becomes Writing

When driving meets type!

Typographers Pierre Smeets and Damien Aresta team up with a professional race car driver to creat a font~

(How's that for experiemental type, Tyler?)

xheight::downloads

widget v1.0

widget v2.0

ecard

ue:: ziba webpage layouts

Some revised layouts for Ziba's website. Still working out the language/color system of the nav menu.

ia::final collection site

plastic playth!ngs

This project was interesting for me because of how I had to learn to apply and integrate a fair amount of information into a screen-based format. Like information graphics, the goal of this site is to make complexity accessible. But it's also about structuring the visual experience itself with navigation. Rather than everything being revealed at once, information is divided into bite-sized portions; to encourage users to play and explore.

Process available as a PDF here.

Blog process:

a.) Initial Wireframing

b.) Object Renders + Revisions v.1

c.) Revisions v.2

d.) Website title brainstorming

e.) Revisions v.3

f.) Revisions v.4

g.) Partner critique + feedback

the design police::find+share

Hilarious and useful. Get your visual enforcement kit today.

type iv:: revised website layout

Revised my wireframes/layouts of the XHEIGHT webpage from Wednesday. Final site will be built in Flash. Go AS3.0!

ia::collection flash site

Not quite final (there's always room for revisions), but pretty close, and up and running:

plastic playthings~

type iv:: artifact designs

Website layout still needs refinement...

type iv:: XHEIGHT Widget v2.0

Revised the original XHEIGHT widget - made it a bit smaller, and included meters for hours, minutes and seconds. Also, there's a button on the back that links to our blog with info about the conference

Screenshot of it in action on my Dashboard.

To download it, click here.