Interactive Media Arts @ NYUSH
Link to Medium:
https://medium.com/@es4515/sustainable-fashion-shanghai-co-op-869911a5897e
Link to Slides:
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/15o7RpBKrj2PaDUNF00ToFUsDLlEgnTI6c4t-Ln1yqk0/edit?usp=sharing
Link to Zine (NYU email accessible):
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1z9dgsbHR8x3gBRxBUzbtzLLKfHKC0tMK?usp=sharing
Components:
42STH33-0404AC Stepper Motor
SN754410NE IC ChipPower Jack
12 VDC Power Supply
Arduino Kit
Laser-Cut Short Arms
Laser-Cut Long Arms
Laser-Cut Motor Holder
3D Printed Motor Coupling
Paper Fasteners
Pen
Paper
Building Process:
Before I began building the circuit, I of course tested our pedometer with AnalogRead outputs. Then I retreated the stepper_oneRevolution code and made sure the motor was rotating smoothly. Using the diagram I connected the jumper cables to the Arduino.
I adjusted the MotorKnob code with the map() function for rotation directions. I collaborated my circuit with another replica to build the drawing machine mechanism. The precision of the 3D printed pieces was crucial in obtaining the most fine draw lines, reflecting on this step now, we could have adjusted them better as the pen at times would bounce a millimetre of the page without leaving a mark.
Q1:
After building a drawing machine, I was very inspired with an idea that I would like to share. I had always wanted to create a light show in the sky. Using the principle of the drawing machine, I am imagining light beams that can be controlled with a pedometer from the ground. I now understand the basics behind the mechanism and although we only built it on a small scale, this exact mechanism could be replicated to control powerful beam lights in the air – or at least I hope. To take it a step further, I was imagining different functions that could be installed in the light-show, such as traces (from fast movement), blinking, and and maybe even patters of designs inter-colliding. I am currently very interested in colours and patters so I believe if I had the opportunity to create a circuit like this on a big scale, I would most definitely play with colour gradients and how they create a feeling (different shades of colours bleeding into one another for a particular effect ). When I consider patterns for a light show, I see a different setting than a dark summer night sky, I imagine a user controlled set up in a room (which of course is pitch black also) but this would allow the lights to bounce off the four walls in harmony or chaos, which I believe would create a very interesting sensation for the user controlling the actions. * also music is crucial for this experience to be complete, as we explore interactivity I began understanding the extent of influence audio has on visual and vice versa.
Q2:
Time’s Up, Griavitron intrigued me the most, I am very fascinated with the idea of simulation and virtual realities, so to be able to indulge in art made for exploring this field is very interesting to me. I’m not sure if its my short attention span, or an array of other reasonings, but I love lights and creations that can be made with their help. This particular project made me start thinking about how I limit myself when I brainstorm for ideas due to my resources. It inspires to acknowledge more than just materialism or commercialism, it is created with meaning thus is open for interpretation. This project also touches upon perception, which is a concept I am currently investigating in the world. The interpretation, the perception of each individual will never be the same, purely due to their background, and thus makes you consider the statements and ideas that are to an extent universally accepted, and those that are labelled as ‘insane”. Perception is a very interesting concept to ponder about, especially when you interact with people with alternative solutions. This project stimulates me visually and mentally, and I would absolutely love to not only try something like this in the future, but even attempt to create ideas alike.
After running a lower epochs and ensuring that the model is training accurately, I really wanted to explore what an epochs of 100 would do. This was a continuous process that took four days without pause. Since we have been discussing the length of the model training extensively with a fair warning of needed extra time – this was a great example that showed me this theory in practice.
idea evolution, research update and asset development
On my behalf of the development, I have currently completed all of our planned shoots for all six looks. I also completed the sourcing of the pictures and managed to narrow down the selection to the needed material for representing the clothing in our series. My current stance is the planning of the layout of the final product. Since our focus is on visual representation, the aesthetic appeal is a key element is grabbing the attention from our targeted consumers. This stage of progression requires me to chose a linking theme that would tie all six looks as well as the message together, yet contains enough variation for each page to encourage a page flip. This is my challenge now: to constantly remind myself of our goal and targeted audience, because art often takes you far away from your initial start, and I mustn’t let that happen.
We are also planning another shoot for piles of clothes that is happening at the end of this week. Friday is also when all of the photo editing will be done, and as all of the photo asses will be completed I will move on the adding them into the template for the book. By Monday I will have a completed first draft layout and Sasha and I will overview for any changes prior to Wednesday’s presentation.
Since we began the development of this idea really early on, and our Zine touched on the premises of our final product, I feel in good standing for its completion. I have gained a lot of understanding about conscious consumption, and I hope our book will be able to spark the same interest in others.
Instructor: Marcela
Partners: Issac, Nate, Dom, Rudi
When considering interaction, my immediate association is connection through inputs and outputs. Humans are able to interact with one another intuitively (at least to an extent), but that’s not the only way interaction can be created. Humans are able to create with the added element of interactivity, with the same logistics of inputs and outputs. These creations can take any form; from physical to digital. As I shape my understanding of interactivity, I am learning about AI model training which on a grand scale represents the same concept. Humans are able to train models, which then can proceed without support (as the model has learned its directions/instructions).
“Ask Data” is an AI software where the user is able to input a question, and the program provides an answer – similar to the way Google framework is set up, but with the addition of extensive accuracy and detail. This to me represents the interactivity between the user and the model through sharing of information. The key element that makes this accessible to the general public is the ability to use ‘normal language’ as input, without technical terms. https://www.tableau.com/about/blog/2018/11/ask-data-simplifying-analytics-natural-language-98655
“WhatYouNeed” is a simple Arduino based project that informs the user about the weather, with the additional element of telling you how to behave according to it (take umbrella, use sunscreen). This project does not represent a great extent of interactivity as it shows a predeterminate output due to the input of weather, rather than the user. https://www.hackster.io/microBob/whatyouneed-b63b8f
These examples are interactive tools where the user provides the input and the model provides a calculated/classified/etc output. I think it is very interesting to consider how the same methodology can be used to create something for efficiency or productivity, as well as entertainment.
As I am also learning about Sustainable Fashion, I for the first time was introduced to the concept of ‘fast fashion’ fairly recently. This type of behaviour is one of the main underlying reasons ecological problems are of concern globally. When we started to think about the concept of the future, unlike most fantasies we did not imagine it to be completely distorted from the picture we see today. I guess one can say we are very optimistic in our perspective. With this premises, we wanted to develop an idea/ invention that was not only contributing to efficiency, but in a sense also represented ‘fun’.
Our SUPER BOX BOO 3000 represents the interactivity of the user making a shoe design, and our product 3D printing it. The idea is simple, yet promotes creativity and a unique approach to fashion. When our group and I were considering a hundred years into the future, we discarded the most likely realistic dystopian life, and considered the earth to still be in full functioning. In that case, style and individuality would be very important for the society. Another very important element is the idea of reusing the materials for the purpose of sustainability. In our utopian world, ecology is obviously a priority so the ability to reuse the same materials over and over again is very appealing. This product has a clear purpose for those interested in the idea of being fashionable, or just the comfort of a perfectly fit shoe.
As we developed our performance, we realised we needed to present two elements that would set our product aside from others on the market – the time taken to make the shoe and the price itself. We chose a Under 5 minute time span, as well as a value of Under 1 Bitcoin, as digital currency is the focal point of the economy circulation in our Utopia.
Overall, I really benefited from this project, as I got the opportunity to collaborate with a group of likeminded and motivated individuals. Our team work did not feel like work, but rather an exploration of our minds. This project also allowed me to consider the influence of interactivity in today’s society.