Michael Brazil

1. An area of interest you've identified.
Alternate uses for existing game controls and, possibly, alternate game control schemes.

2. A couple of questions (stated in the form of a question) and opportunities suggested by your area of interest - what do you (or a potential viewer) want or need to know about this area?
How can video games be played in new and interesting ways? Are there any new control schemes that haven’t been used yet that are worthwhile? What about a new way to control video games that not only would allow non-gamers to get a compelling experience, but perhaps can even allow people with physical impairments to enjoy games?

3. Identify a method or process that can be used to explore your question.
Explore “non-traditional” interfaces. Read up on prior work with incorporating bio-feedback and the like in game-like environments.

4. One to three actual topics or subjects that address your interests/questions. (Not ‘a game’ or ‘experience’ or ‘interactive film,’ find a subject/setting/character/narrative.
Creating a game that uses a bio-feedback or similar interface to control gameplay.
Finding a compelling new use for the Wiimote.
Experimenting with an actual electric guitar and a guitar-to-usb connector to find possible uses for such a setup.

5. Pair your topics with a genre and an audience: Not just "a game" but the type of game and the type of player you envision.
Gamers that find the idea of trying out new, game-related experiences intriguing and fun. People willing to take the experiments to the next level, developing new games and play experiences to fit with the control schemes.

6. Commit to a term (participant, viewer, player, reader, user, audience) that you will use throughout the project.
Player, at present, although part of the final product might blur the line between player and user.

Query your potential topic(s) for
a) Can you identify a central problem/issue?
While some new games and experiences are coming out and becoming more popular among more traditional gamers, I feel that it is just the tip of the iceberg. In addition, some people who have limited mobility aren’t able to participate in what we, as the general audience, take for granted.

b) If so, is it a problem you think you can solve (an issue you'd like to address)?
I think I can provide at least a couple new ways to look at control in games.

c) Can you identify resources/a community/advisors around your topic(s)? Are they approachable?
Developers that have created games for the Wii as well as developers of games like Guitar Hero would be great places to begin. In addition, people who have developed programs that work with Wiimotes and IMD graduate Kellee Santiago for her work on I am More than my Thumb might also be valuable resources.