Glad to be in our group MEMORY to make our ideas come true!!
Design
The idea for our project was inspired by the novel “The Veldt”, which introduces the concept of a room that could simulate various sensations such as sound, smell, wind, touch, and temperature. However, we realized that a room might not be practical to bring with us. Therefore, we decided to modify the concept into wearable devices.
To gather ideas, our team created a Google doc where we could share our responses to the three fictions. However, when we met in person on February 20th, we found that most of the ideas were not feasible. Eventually, we chose Alyssa’s concept of glasses that could store and replay memories. I suggested that we could enhance the device to include all senses by using gloves to simulate touch. We scheduled another meeting on February 22nd to start working on the project.
During our second meeting, we began by sketching design drafts. We decided to focus on creating the headset first and used the drafts to determine the appropriate dimensions for the device. We then sourced our materials from my food takeout bags and express packages.
We also brainstormed the framework for our presentation during this meeting. We decided to start with happy moments or memories, then show the actor becoming depressed and stressed before using the device to transport them back to the happy moment. We would then perform the happy moment again.
Design Draft
I find the silver reflective material inside Taco Bell’s insulation takeaway packaging to be both cool and futuristic, and it aligns well with the image of our product. To incorporate this material into our project, we used a glue gun to attach it onto the paperboard.
Initially, we included a nose part in the headset design to demonstrate that it also had a smell simulation function. However, all of my team members felt that it resembled a scuba diver’s helmet. As a result, we decided to remove the nose part and refine the design.
Later when me and Stephanie finished the headset, MJ and Alyssa then continued to work on the controller pad and the glove.
On February 23rd, after completing all the prototyping for our project, we gathered to rehearse the entire performance. During the rehearsal, we discussed what would be the typical happy moment that could also involve all four performers. After careful consideration, we decided on a birthday celebration as it required minimal props and could effectively convey the desired emotion. (We later discovered that February 24th, the day of our performance, happened to be MJ’s birthday, who was one of our actors. Happy birthday to MJ!)
The Performance Day
The performance was done just as we rehearsed. We signed up as the second group to perform. Below is our performance video.
Following our performance, one of the audience members, Professor Gohai, posed a thought-provoking question that I believe holds great significance: What are the potential downsides of our project? While it is true that reminiscing on happy memories can bring individuals much joy and emotion, it may also deter them from facing the harsh reality that could cause stress and sorrow. While I partially agree with this sentiment, I also recognize the importance of revisiting cherished memories, especially those involving loved ones who are distant or have passed away. The device we have created holds particular meaning as it aims to address the many regrets individuals may have in life.
Upon reflection of our project, I believe we have done an excellent job conveying its purpose and functions. However, I do have concerns that our overall performance does not have a lot of content due to the need to repeat the birthday celebration portion.
Another Group Work
I was impressed with the idea presented by the Mirror group. I appreciated how they extracted the concept from the fiction “The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas”. This fiction explores the idea that the happiness of an entire town relies on the suffering of a single child. The group connected this idea with the notion that many people take pleasure in admiring themselves in mirrors without considering what would happen if the mirror had its own consciousness and refused to imitate them. They effectively conveyed this concept by having one actor imitate another’s movements. However, I feel that the part where the males perform the mirroring again is somewhat repetitive.