Stellar: Presentation.
https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B9niqu0vMk4rYzg4MTM4MmYtMDAzZi00YTliLWJjZWYtYTUwODlhY2NkMzRm
Stellar: Outline
https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B9niqu0vMk4rNGRhNGI2M2QtNGZhZS00OTQ4LTk0YmItZmYxOGRmYTEzNDI4
Prolgue Link
http://prologue.com/media/film/projects/iron-man-2
Friday, December 16, 2011
Friday, December 9, 2011
Christmas Construction
The basis for the event was to simulate a collaborative building process with people separated by distance and only connected through Second Life. How is the experience for those using Second Life as collaborative space but are located around different parts of the world. We attempted to achieve this by having everyone in class not speak to each other vocally. They were tasked to only communicate through SL.
The class was given a goal to build a 'Christmas-like' tree within the given time frame. The event started off with a giant beam in the middle of the sandbox and all the participants were to build on top of it. The theme was obviously a Christmas tree but wasn't restricted in having to resemble a traditional douglas fir. Documentation of the end result is displayed below.
The feedback we received was mainly about how the event had no solid goal. This is acknowledged because, there wasn't much communication going on through the duration of the event. Because there wasn't much restrictions as well, it didn't motivate participants to communicate with each other in order to meet mutual goals. Although the event was fairly simple, the bigger concern is what real issues does the community face when doing large scale collaborations. When a group of users organize to perform a play in SL what pros and cons do they face, and in what ways can the virtual world experience be pushed to allow provide collaborative spaces to be more efficient.
The class was given a goal to build a 'Christmas-like' tree within the given time frame. The event started off with a giant beam in the middle of the sandbox and all the participants were to build on top of it. The theme was obviously a Christmas tree but wasn't restricted in having to resemble a traditional douglas fir. Documentation of the end result is displayed below.
The feedback we received was mainly about how the event had no solid goal. This is acknowledged because, there wasn't much communication going on through the duration of the event. Because there wasn't much restrictions as well, it didn't motivate participants to communicate with each other in order to meet mutual goals. Although the event was fairly simple, the bigger concern is what real issues does the community face when doing large scale collaborations. When a group of users organize to perform a play in SL what pros and cons do they face, and in what ways can the virtual world experience be pushed to allow provide collaborative spaces to be more efficient.
Event Plan
Title
Stellar
The Big Idea
“The Gateway to your universe.”
Target member
Target those who follow a large amount of media and social networks.
Value Proposition
The target maybe linked or connected to a number of different things online.
With the internet becoming more competitive for user attention, and the increased amount of traffic of media, Stellar aims to create a "space" where user's access everything.
World Design Feature Categories (in outline format, describe each verbally in functional detail and use visual mockup examples where words fail):
Self - Users are represented by the networks they follow and the constellations they build. The star system are the avatar.s
Place – In pseudo- space/universe. Using the concept/model of actual space.
Purpose – Blue-Ocean, trying to connect everything together to make one access point. Social networking.
Fun Things To Do - design complex constellations that are virtual sculptures in space. Accessing nodes in real life that provide tips on finding more constellations.
Society – Age ratings and firewalls that protect users from accessing unsafe content.
World Design Plan – User’s star off as a single star and eventually build their constellation by linking to other systems/stars. These systems can be organized at the user’s will and they will ultimately control the output of these constellations.
Interface Components – Interface is augmented reality using smart phones or omni tools that project holographic images. Using motion gestures, user’s can physically navigate through holographic interface. Users would sculpt and shape the constellations into desired shapes at will.
Out-World Components – Simple Website with QR code and forums for community development. QR code will be used to access the download with mobile device. The world is ultimately programmed into the “cloud” and all that is needed is a mobile device to access it.
Research
While searching for information about Social networks I came across the concept of Blue-Oceans. Blue Ocean is market strategy is being used with Google and I decided to use this as a base for the Virtual world.
As for interface I looked up recent studies of augmented reality and the concept designs that have been dreamed up thus far. The most notable is the recent use of interface concepts in the movie Iron Man. The character Tony Stark is an engineer that uses augmented reality to build new technology. I use this influence in conceptualizing my virtual world.
WHAT GOOGLE+ IS REALLY ABOUT
https://plus.google.com/u/0/photos/100238778462210489846/albums/5629087019815403777/5629089486863954898
Google vs. Microsoft: Crossing the Blue-Ocean, Red-Ocean Divide
http://seekingalpha.com/article/50768-google-vs-microsoft-crossing-the-blue-ocean-red-ocean-divide
Prologue
http://prologue.com/media/film/projects/iron-man-2
Stellar
The Big Idea
“The Gateway to your universe.”
Target member
Target those who follow a large amount of media and social networks.
Value Proposition
The target maybe linked or connected to a number of different things online.
With the internet becoming more competitive for user attention, and the increased amount of traffic of media, Stellar aims to create a "space" where user's access everything.
World Design Feature Categories (in outline format, describe each verbally in functional detail and use visual mockup examples where words fail):
Self - Users are represented by the networks they follow and the constellations they build. The star system are the avatar.s
Place – In pseudo- space/universe. Using the concept/model of actual space.
Purpose – Blue-Ocean, trying to connect everything together to make one access point. Social networking.
Fun Things To Do - design complex constellations that are virtual sculptures in space. Accessing nodes in real life that provide tips on finding more constellations.
Society – Age ratings and firewalls that protect users from accessing unsafe content.
World Design Plan – User’s star off as a single star and eventually build their constellation by linking to other systems/stars. These systems can be organized at the user’s will and they will ultimately control the output of these constellations.
Interface Components – Interface is augmented reality using smart phones or omni tools that project holographic images. Using motion gestures, user’s can physically navigate through holographic interface. Users would sculpt and shape the constellations into desired shapes at will.
Out-World Components – Simple Website with QR code and forums for community development. QR code will be used to access the download with mobile device. The world is ultimately programmed into the “cloud” and all that is needed is a mobile device to access it.
Research
While searching for information about Social networks I came across the concept of Blue-Oceans. Blue Ocean is market strategy is being used with Google and I decided to use this as a base for the Virtual world.
As for interface I looked up recent studies of augmented reality and the concept designs that have been dreamed up thus far. The most notable is the recent use of interface concepts in the movie Iron Man. The character Tony Stark is an engineer that uses augmented reality to build new technology. I use this influence in conceptualizing my virtual world.
WHAT GOOGLE+ IS REALLY ABOUT
https://plus.google.com/u/0/photos/100238778462210489846/albums/5629087019815403777/5629089486863954898
Google vs. Microsoft: Crossing the Blue-Ocean, Red-Ocean Divide
http://seekingalpha.com/article/50768-google-vs-microsoft-crossing-the-blue-ocean-red-ocean-divide
Prologue
http://prologue.com/media/film/projects/iron-man-2
Scripting.
Scripting can be quite difficult especially for those who are new to programming in general. The basic thing to understand is that computers aren't genius objects that can do anything. Technology today is advanced enough in order to self-direct it's actions. Every computer needs to be told what to do in order to perform specific task, thus programming languages were created. Each language in mainly instructive that gives computers parameters and instructions on how to specifically perform each task. Technology is advanced enough today where all the thinking is behind the veil so that users can focus on their own tasks. The computer is a tool, and the programmer is what makes that possible.
In this case, Second Life allows users to script in the environment to enhance and alter other's experinces along with their own. If someone were to interact with an object within the Second Life environment a script can be made to tell that object to perform an action. I can make a box in Second Life that will expand as soon as it's touched by a user, or maybe the user just has to walk by it in order for it to perform. Maybe the box can simultaneously send a message while it grows in size. The possibilities are endless as long as you have a grasp on the scripting language.
Below are some of my favored sources for those new to scripting.
LSL Example Scripts: http://wiki.secondlife.com/wiki/Category:LSL_Examples
LSL Script Library: http://wiki.secondlife.com/wiki/LSL_Library
** Ann Enigma's EZ Autoscript site: http://www.3greeneggs.com/autoscript/
*** MIT's Scratch For SL (Lego Approach to Scripting): http://web.mit.edu/~eric_r/Public/S4SL/
In this case, Second Life allows users to script in the environment to enhance and alter other's experinces along with their own. If someone were to interact with an object within the Second Life environment a script can be made to tell that object to perform an action. I can make a box in Second Life that will expand as soon as it's touched by a user, or maybe the user just has to walk by it in order for it to perform. Maybe the box can simultaneously send a message while it grows in size. The possibilities are endless as long as you have a grasp on the scripting language.
Below are some of my favored sources for those new to scripting.
LSL Example Scripts: http://wiki.secondlife.com/wiki/Category:LSL_Examples
LSL Script Library: http://wiki.secondlife.com/wiki/LSL_Library
** Ann Enigma's EZ Autoscript site: http://www.3greeneggs.com/autoscript/
*** MIT's Scratch For SL (Lego Approach to Scripting): http://web.mit.edu/~eric_r/Public/S4SL/
Friday, September 23, 2011
Building in SL
Basic building is second life is pretty straight forward. I know it has been well improved since the games infancy. With existing UI experience and comprehension, it is not that hard to get use to, it's all a matter of figuring out what the hotkeys are and how they work.
I decided to attempt a simple task of building a throne for my Avatar. With my Avatar being a god or high enigma, I felt it was only fitting to give a chair that would cater to his status. haha
I started small because I was sure that I'd be able to scale up the object once it was fully built. God's need epic thrones. Here are a couple of screen shots of the built chair.
I decided to attempt a simple task of building a throne for my Avatar. With my Avatar being a god or high enigma, I felt it was only fitting to give a chair that would cater to his status. haha
I started small because I was sure that I'd be able to scale up the object once it was fully built. God's need epic thrones. Here are a couple of screen shots of the built chair.
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Navigation Event
While doing the walk through I remember how intricate people were with some of the designs, at the same time, it was also the complete opposite. Obviously the whole Grand Canyon can't be mapped out in it's entirety due to some technical limitations. Yet, even though hindrance exists, the designers still manage to bring about that certain feel you might get when visiting the actual Grand Canyon. The terrain was sculpted as massive cliffs and standing on top of them made you think the same ideas about falling off. In this case, fear isn't necessarily a problem because you can jump right off and survive or just fly around.
Using the concepts of virtual worlds can be used as marketing tools for tourism. Actual 1:1 mock ups of sites that have potential interests with travelers. Maybe some people are very use to their comfort zone and are indifferent about venturing out. Using these tools of navigation through virtual worlds can be a way to help them step out of that comfort zone, or aid them in getting over any phobias they might have. Video Games do well with story telling so maybe using virtual world navigation can revolutionize how we perceive new media, new stories, and/or new theater.
Solo Excursion
I conducted my own excursion by just randomly flying around the open world of Second Life. It came to my realization how much people have made since the game's conception. One area that caught my eye was this city that was very post modern and almost reminiscent to the type of architecture seen in cyber-punk genres. The structures had very clean designs, but was also very abstract in form. Sleek dark colors along with simple lighting that ran across the architecture like veins. Something also very reminiscent to worlds like Tron. The biggest thing that stood out was the fact that no one was around. It did come off as a little eerie that the area was mostly deserted. It makes sense, mainly because I obviously understand that it's only a virtual space and that people don't actually live there. You just can't help but question how many other areas are similar to this area. Locations that actually have some merit in design, but aren't being properly exposed to those that may be interested. Very parallel to many other mediums of art today.
While doing the walk through I remember how intricate people were with some of the designs, at the same time, it was also the complete opposite. Obviously the whole Grand Canyon can't be mapped out in it's entirety due to some technical limitations. Yet, even though hindrance exists, the designers still manage to bring about that certain feel you might get when visiting the actual Grand Canyon. The terrain was sculpted as massive cliffs and standing on top of them made you think the same ideas about falling off. In this case, fear isn't necessarily a problem because you can jump right off and survive or just fly around.
Using the concepts of virtual worlds can be used as marketing tools for tourism. Actual 1:1 mock ups of sites that have potential interests with travelers. Maybe some people are very use to their comfort zone and are indifferent about venturing out. Using these tools of navigation through virtual worlds can be a way to help them step out of that comfort zone, or aid them in getting over any phobias they might have. Video Games do well with story telling so maybe using virtual world navigation can revolutionize how we perceive new media, new stories, and/or new theater.
Solo Excursion
I conducted my own excursion by just randomly flying around the open world of Second Life. It came to my realization how much people have made since the game's conception. One area that caught my eye was this city that was very post modern and almost reminiscent to the type of architecture seen in cyber-punk genres. The structures had very clean designs, but was also very abstract in form. Sleek dark colors along with simple lighting that ran across the architecture like veins. Something also very reminiscent to worlds like Tron. The biggest thing that stood out was the fact that no one was around. It did come off as a little eerie that the area was mostly deserted. It makes sense, mainly because I obviously understand that it's only a virtual space and that people don't actually live there. You just can't help but question how many other areas are similar to this area. Locations that actually have some merit in design, but aren't being properly exposed to those that may be interested. Very parallel to many other mediums of art today.
Monday, September 12, 2011
SL Startup
I've had some previous experiences in dawdling in SL before so I registered, installed and decided to go fly around and explore a bit. I knew that the world of SL was large but I didn't realize how actually massive it was when I saw the map room at the end of the tutorial walk through. I also took a glance at the map to see how much space had been covered. At the time I first encountered SL it was back when it was still a new born and the user base was getting familiarized with it. It's very surprising to see how much it has grown since then.
As I tried to go into events I found it very difficult to actually find a worthwhile event. I would hop from location to location only to find one virtual patron standing around. Hardly any were populated. I eventually gave up the quest through the event listings and just decide to visit the high traffic areas. The best one being, the new comer areas. While I understand this is hardly where the heart of SL is. I still believe the area does provide some interesting information to the whole study of virtual worlds.
It's basically the second birth of most users, they stand around here tinkering with their UI trying to learn how everything works, all while chatting up some random strangers from halfway across the nation/earth. What are their virtual mannerisms and how do they formulate their residual-self-image.
Sadly, the one conversation that interest me the most was of two patrons basically bullying each other. I do realize online bullying is a serious issue, but I couldn't help but observe how serious people get online. I've been on the net for awhile and am well aware of the many ills that circulate. So I knew to just keep my distance and watch. I would throw in a few responses here and there only to be ignored. (probably because my Avatar is a goofy looking robot with a lightbulb as a head, internet discrimination! haha.) Fortunately I was bored enough to leave continue exploring other random locations.
As I tried to go into events I found it very difficult to actually find a worthwhile event. I would hop from location to location only to find one virtual patron standing around. Hardly any were populated. I eventually gave up the quest through the event listings and just decide to visit the high traffic areas. The best one being, the new comer areas. While I understand this is hardly where the heart of SL is. I still believe the area does provide some interesting information to the whole study of virtual worlds.
It's basically the second birth of most users, they stand around here tinkering with their UI trying to learn how everything works, all while chatting up some random strangers from halfway across the nation/earth. What are their virtual mannerisms and how do they formulate their residual-self-image.
Sadly, the one conversation that interest me the most was of two patrons basically bullying each other. I do realize online bullying is a serious issue, but I couldn't help but observe how serious people get online. I've been on the net for awhile and am well aware of the many ills that circulate. So I knew to just keep my distance and watch. I would throw in a few responses here and there only to be ignored. (probably because my Avatar is a goofy looking robot with a lightbulb as a head, internet discrimination! haha.) Fortunately I was bored enough to leave continue exploring other random locations.
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