by edwin.lang -

Blog Post – Tangible Data Visualization

In this blogpost I want to give insights in the first of my two topics I researched during this semester. A concept for a hands-on exhibit in the context of science education.

Concept

A physical representation of an iceberg that will change its shape and texture according to the ongoing process of ice melting in real life because of climate change. Together with an interactive soundscape of ice cracking visitors get a multisensory experience.

Interactivity will either be realized by controlling the melting process by turning a wheel which symbolizes the time in years or voting on climate related questions by placing the hand on a reactive surface.

Texture

The texture being projected on the mesh will simulate the sun casting shadows on the lower parts of the iceberg. Furthermore, the texture will change as the shape changes and visualize the transition from ice to water and cracking ice sheets. Based on my interviews, a grayscale texture will be the preferred method if done in real time processing. If the textures will be pre rendered, further research and comparison on visibility between grayscale and color will be necessary.

Projection

The projection will be made from the ceiling. However, as in figure 1 shown, there are two possibilities to hide the beamer. While the first approach will mask the beamer with a lampshade the second will hide the beamer in the ceiling and project with the help of a mirror on top of the mesh.

Physical Material

The physical representation will be realized with sticks and an elastic mesh on top. The sticks will be connected to small motors that pull or push the stick individually. With this approach the shape can be changed and simulate the melting process.

A realization of the mechanics can be seen under the following link: https://vimeo.com/125111011#t=590s

by edwin.lang -

Blog Post – Interview 2

For this impulse I decided to conduct another interview with a professors of the Master at the Universitat Politecnica de Valencia (UPV) called Multimedia and Visual Arts. This interview was with Prof. Francisco Giner Martínez. Before the interview I summarized my project idea and questions in the following Miro board:

During this interview, I received the following feedback:

  • The most important question in terms of processing power is if you want to do the rendering in real time or pre rendered.
  • As you are focusing more on real time, the processing of texture takes a lot of processing power.
  • I would suggest concentrating on a matrix system with an alpha channel.
  • Try to focus on the black-white transition for good shadows, which is in your case important.
  • You could realize something like this with a matrix system that checks the height with its neighbors and calculates a corresponding alpha value.

My takeaway: Reduce complexity as much as possible, find the details that have the most impact and focus on them.

The following to photos were made at an exhibition at the Universitat Politecnica de Valencia and demonstrates how a grayscale image is being projected onto a three-dimensional terrain made out of sand.

by valerie.feichtmair -

Impulse 5: Adobe MAX 2023

This year’s Adobe MAX 2023 presented a lot of advancements in AI across the Adobe Creative Cloud Suite, particularly with Adobe Firefly.

Adobe Firefly:
Adobe Firefly introduces the Image Model, Vector Model, and Design Model. Each plays a pivotal role in reshaping the creative process across Adobe’s suite.

Photoshop and Photoshop Web:
In Photoshop, the Generative Fill Tool was introduced, which improves streamlining workflows and boosting creative exploration.

Illustrator:
Illustrator embraced the Firefly Vector Model with features like ‘Retype’ and ‘Text to Vector,’ offering enhanced control and efficiency in design iteration.

Premiere Pro:
Premiere Pro showcased Text-Based Editing, a feature streamlining transcription and revolutionizing video editing through the Transcript panel.

Adobe Express:
Adobe Express, a web-based tool launched in October 2023, integrates the Firefly Design Model in ‘Text to Template,’ shows the potential of AI in generating design templates.

Firefly Models:
Updates to Firefly’s Image Model grant users more control over generated images. Upcoming models like the Audio, Video, and 3D Models promise further creative possibilities.

Overall, I really liked the conference, especially the part about how AI is changing how we make things. But for my Master’s thesis on Dark Patterns, the conference might not have exactly what I need. Still, learning about how AI influences design is interesting. It may not directly connect with my thesis, but it gives me more understanding about the big picture of design and technology.

https://www.adobe.com/max/2023/sessions/opening-keynote-gs1.html

by helena.opower -

Impulse #7 #BodyPositivity

This impulse is dedicated to a movement that is taking place directly on Instagram. This should show that positive movements are also taking place on the app itself, that people are recognizing the problems, taking initiative and trying to make the platform a better place. After all, it is important not to forget that you can also reach many people via Instagram and make a positive impact. Nevertheless, it should be added that many of the problems that Instagram draws attention to are created or extremely amplified by the app itself.

The hashtag #BodyPositivity has become an influential movement on social media that promotes acceptance and love for diverse body shapes and sizes. This campaign aims to break unrealistic beauty standards and encourage people to love and accept their bodies of all shapes and sizes. By creating a platform for self-love, the hashtag provides a space for authentic stories, personal journeys and positive images that celebrate the diversity of human bodies.

In the context of my research #BodyPositivity plays a crucial role. The movement not only offers a counterpoint to harmful beauty ideals, but also provides valuable insights into the power of social media to promote positive change. The impulse from the #BodyPositivity movement thus supports my research topic by providing insights into the positive potential of Instagram.

Hashtag on Instagram

Artikel über Body Positivity

by valerie.feichtmair -

Impulse 4: Prototyping: past, present, and future” by Jon K, Nikolas K, Chia A, and Garrett M at Config 2023

This talk caught my interest because, on one side, I’m trying to get better at using Figma, and the talk showed off some neat new features. On the other side, it gave a good overview of what’s important when you’re working on prototypes.

They talked about the challenges of prototyping really complex projects in Figma, like having too many frames. More frames make it tough to extend, understand, create, and share your work. They also emphasized the need for advanced prototyping techniques.

new features in Figma

They introduced some new features in Figma that got me excited. The most important changes are:

  • Variables,
  • Expressions (which let you change those variables),
  • and the ability to use multiple actions and conditions.

These new tools make it easier to create complex behaviors and logic in your prototypes. Plus, they make it simpler to make changes to your project after you’ve built the prototype. The projects also end up looking way more organized than before, which is great when other people need to jump in and work on it. As an example, they showed one and the same project which was done in two ways: on the one hand with the old features and on the other hand with the new features, the difference impressed me a lot:

useful information for my master’s thesis

As I’m planning to prototype two apps for my master’s thesis using Figma, this talk was super helpful. Knowing about these tools and understanding the common problems with prototyping can save a ton of time and frustration while I’m working on my thesis. It’s reassuring to have a better grasp of Figma’s capabilities and feel more confident tackling the challenges of prototyping for my ambitious projects.