The goal of my 534 final project is to experiment with physical computing and narrative media. The theme of this project was inspired by an American folk song (partial lyrics below) that tells the story of the Titanic. Carl Sandberg discovered the song and says it best: "The chorus words Ocean and Titanic sway like a swiftly moving thing abruptly slowed down, struck, staggering and bewildered, while the words Sinking Down have the grave, quiet suspension of a requiem." The juxtaposition between whimsical melody and emotion of the narrative provide the conceptual framework for the piece.
My interface design (sketch above) is reminiscent of a puppet stage or child's toy. Moveable icons decorate a miniature proscenium and trigger primary and secondary media elements. Audiovisual elements include seven song verses, storybook animations, and related sound elements. Audio will play through adjacent speakers and a laptop, fixed inside the mini-stage, will provide the primary visual display.
Rotating icons are connected to rotary encoders (Oak Industries 2-bit/gray code/9-cycle/36-position), which send data to the basic stamp (BS2). This data is communicated to (Macromedia) Director for visual/audio output. The 7 primary verses play in sequence, when individually triggered, to properly convey the story. Secondary audio and/or visual elements play instantaneously as an added audiovisual layer.
Thoughts and/or suggestions are welcome.
Titanic - Verse One:
The rich folks decided to take a trip on the finest ship that was ever built.
The captain persuaded the people to think that the Titanic too safe to sink.
Out on the o-o-ocean, the great wide o-o-ocean.
The Titanic out on the ocean, sinking down!
