CTIN-532 Assignment #1A:
Our first assignment is to make a one-minute montage, set to music, about the “breadth of interactive experience design. Although the 12-screen projection doesn’t have to be completely coordinated, I believe it will be more powerful if the images have some common thread other than the topic. One way to do this would be to subdivide the presentation into a beginning, middle, and end (see sketches below) telling a story:
ACT I:
The first 15 seconds could be dedicated to the history of interactive media. Here we could utilize images of early prototypes with reference to crucial projects and/or an historical timeline. Another and/or parallel option for the first 15 seconds could be the convergence of linear media and technology. This seemed to be an extremely strong theme in many of our backgrounds and sensibilities. The pacing of this segment should be slower and more traditional in musical theme with an anticipatory build. Visual elements for this segment could begin from both ends of the screen and move towards the middle.
ACT II:
In either case the transition to the second act would then be signified by the “big bang!” This explosion would be musical and visual and mark the convergence of technology and linear media and/or the turning point in the IM industry.
The 30-second segment would represent current IM devices, business, art, gadgets, games, etc. This would be a visual cacophony of elements that touch our lives set to a rhythmic pace. More than one musical element could play during this segment, similar to several radio stations playing at once. Visual elements throughout the second act would be random, kinetic, vibrant, and build to a crescendo.
ACT III:
The third act would be signified with a question (and array of question marks): What is the future of interactive media? Visual elements suggesting possible future applications, devices, and industry would fill the screens. Perhaps these could be subdivided into groups including art, mobile media, games, research, design, etc.
The third act would end with continuing future images (on the middle four screens), the faces of the students of the IM department (on adjacent 5 screens), and the faces of the faculty of the IM department (on the opposite 5 screens). Finally, we dissolve to “Welcome to the Future of Interactive Media” on the middle 4 screens and fixed credits.
Furthermore, we should consider the qualities of the venue and/or space. There is a strong axial quality to the space that, when considered, could enhance the presentation. We can apply many “Visual Expression” principles to the visuals. However, this is a more immersive space than the traditional cinematic aspect ratio. Strong consistent movements could have important significance. For instance, if all visual images were to move upward at some point, it may feel like the room is moving downward (see sketches below). This is a dynamic that should be used for emotional impact.
