(06/05/20) The word document that can be seen linked below expands on the links given out by Emily (Tutor of this Module) for Processing and NCH Software after talking to her during the Zoom chat on Wednesday 6th May 2020;

Links to sites expanding on Processing and NCH Software. Interactive Environments.

Three videos can be seen below showing the early testing of the software which I felt went very well. This was also applied to the VLC software with little success due to the VLC software not having the capacity to record audio on the computer which is a problem considering I need to talk over the tutorial to specify key information that will be in the final tutorial. Despite the problems encountered in the ‘VLC Software’, the NCH Software’ manages to have the capacity to record audio so its this software that will be used for the final tutorial with Uttara;

The screenshots that can be seen below shows where the recordings are stored on the downloaded NCH software. Once the recording is dragged out of the ‘Find and Play’ box onto the desktop, delete the original recording in the box to loosen up space on the computer;

(10/05/20) The screenshots that can be seen below showcase a further design produced by myself to propose to Uttara and choose between my design and her design. Further notes and a rough dialogue is written out for the introduction of the tutorial which has been discussed in depth on Monday 10th May 2020;

Link to Word Document below further showcases a referenced link to research performed for this module;

Interactive Environments Research. Wednesday 13th May 2020.

(18/05/20) Photos of Sketchbook Pages below showcase the rough script I produced for the Tinker CAD section of the Tutorial produced opposite Uttara and a page dedicated to the possible ways the final speaker would’ve been presented in the ‘DM Tech Fest’ if it wasn’t cancelled due to the Government Lockdown in the UK due to the Coronavirus Pandemic at the time this was written;

Links to video tutorials used to edit audio on premiere pro for final tutorial;
Travel Explore Click, 2018. How to Improve Audio in Premiere Pro – YouTube. Available at: <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U1rQ4xFQyrA&gt; [Accessed 18 May 2020].
THAT ICELANDIC GUY., 2020. How to Remove Background Noise – Adobe Premiere Pro 2020 Tutorial – YouTube. Available at: <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DuEuLjH01I4&gt; [Accessed 18 May 2020].

The two screenshots that can be seen below showcase the rough setting of one of the sound features applied to the dialogue on the final tutorial as well as early music visualization via the processing program;

The First Word Document that is linked below showcases the coded settings that were performed in the music visualization that will be present in the final tutorial;

Code used for Coded Music Visualization within Final Tutorial.

The Second Word Document that can be seen below expands on the Final Referenced Reflective Report for the Interactive Environments module;

Reflective Referenced Report. Interactive Environments.

The embedded Unlisted YouTube link of the Final Tutorial can be seen below;

The notes written below shows further discussion with Uttara via Messenger in relation to how the final tutorial on the final interactive piece will be structured;

 

The screenshots below demonstrate the early experimentation and setting up of account on the TinkerCAD site (as recommended by Emily Godden, tutor of Interactive Environments). This site was expanded upon as it proves to be a more straight forward and useful too to create the 3D structure for the Bluetooth Speaker being conceived by myself and Uttara rather than the site recommended by  Andy Modowall (head of 3D department in University) which proved too complex and time consuming in nature for it to be considered for this module/project;

I overlooked the tutorials the site provides given me a better insight on how to produce the final 3D structure.

 

During Week 12 I also attempted to further looking into the ‘Processing’ program which will be implemented for the final piece via a unique music visualisation created by code. The Word Document below expands on the various sites and videos I looked upon while experimenting and research the topic of ‘Processing’ and how to operate the program as well as TinkerCAD (Flat Image transfer to TinkerCAD account etc). All sites/links are Harvard Referenced;

Further Development. Interactive Environments. Week 11.

 

The screenshots below showcase the first issue that occurred while experimenting with the downloaded ‘Processing’ program which were later transferred to an email for Emily (Main Tutor of Module), asking her if there’s any solutions to problems encountered which I couldn’t find online;

Program Error-

 

File Layout (Added MP3’s etc via dragging file into an open ‘IDE’ i.e. main screen where coding is written out. The file should appear in ‘data’ file after being dragged to ‘IDE’)-

 

Extra screenshots showing adding ‘Minim’ and other features from ‘Library’ as well as displaying the coding that is being considered for the potential ‘Music Visualisation’ triggered when music is played through the ‘Bluetooth Speakers’;

 

(14/04/20) The screenshots that can be seen below depicts the further experimentation performed on TinkerCAD with the aim to create a rough mock up of the Bluetooth Speaker casing that will be implemented into the final tutorial in cooperation with Uttara.

After adding the tweaks to the experimentation, I was relatively happy with how it turned out especially within the short period of time spent on creating the two casings for the speaker. The access of transferring and editing flat images into 3D models for the rough casing was also an added bonus, giving the speaker more character as well as proving to create a more interesting contemporary aesthetic to the casing a whole.

Unlike the experimentation with the ‘Processing’ programme, the development with the TinkerCAD programme had less problems that needed to be sorted out and overall proved to be more productive in relation to offering interesting outcomes although I’m still in the early stages with both programs at the time this was written.

I sent these screenshots to Uttara via the Messenger app to receive feedback on what I produced so far and see if she approves of how the casing could potentially look. Components could be bought to attach both the casing designs together so it opens and closes like a treasure chest although the it is mentioned in a video that these components can be 3D printed so more research might be performed in this area if there is time.

 

TinkerCAD Rough Design of Outer Casing early development (with Batman Logo, Flower and Wolf Head);

 

TinkerCAD (Final Design of Rough Casing Idea with tweaked Images from the internet added to the 3D Model);

 

Using ShapeWay Program (First 3D simulation of 3D Model);

 

Using MatterHackers Program (Second 3D simulation of 3D Model);

 

MatterControl Robo 3D Program (Third 3D simulation of 3D Model). This would be used if the opportunity of producing a 3D Model was possible despite the current circumstances affecting this at the time this was written;

 

 

Further notes written after talking to Emily via Zoom on Wednesday 1st April 2020 can be seen below;

(22/03/20) The sketchbook page below expands on another discussion I had with Uttara on planning out on who’s researching which particular subject as well as move things along for hopefully the final development of this project;

 

 

(25/03/20) After the Online Zoom discussion with Emily it has become clear what the new assessment guidelines are due to the circumstances that are occurring at the time this blog was written. A Final Tutorial will be produced presenting the Interactive Prototype that Uttara and Myself will propose during the last week of the semester (final hand-ins)

The two sketchbooks that can be seen below expanding upon the plans laid out for the next week or so in relation to research and experimentation (if possible) with components linked  to prototype we both would’ve made if the current circumstances didn’t stop this from happening;

The fifth point that I forgot to mention in the sketchbook page displaying the tutorial layout plan is the section dedicated to what the final prototype would’ve looked like if displayed in the original scheduled ‘DM Tech Fest’ Exhibition which has sadly been cancelled;

First Word Document that can be seen below demonstrates the research I performed (with a few links provided by Emily)  before the Online Zoom Discussion with Emily and the group with added thoughts about the sites and videos I found in relation to the prototype I’ll create with Uttara;

Links sent to me and Uttara by Emily as well research I done in my own time (Weeks 9 and 10).

Screenshot below showcases the first online class discussion held during Week 9 with Emily (Tutor) providing updates on what steps to take when approaching this module in the coming weeks and months;

 

A photo of the notes I written down in my sketchbook after talking to Uttara and Emily after the scheduled online lesson can be seen below;

(09/03/20) The photos that can be seen below showcase my visit to the 3D Workshop near ‘The Peter Taylor Building’ within the University;

The sketchbook pages below demonstrate the notes I written after talking to Andy Mcdowall (Main Head of 3D Workshop);

The screenshots below this paragraph expand on the initial conversations I had with Uttara via Messenger in planning out the final piece for this module as well as setting out  tasks for each other throughout week 7 and 8;

A link to a Word Document can be seen below that contains the research I performed for this module so far (as well as Uttara who shared links during our discussions set up throughout Week 8);

Research (Materials for Final Piece). Week 6, 7 and 8. Interactive Environments

Harvard Reference below showcase the video dedicated on to create a ‘Control servo with ultrasonic distance sensor and Arduino Uno’, linking to the original ‘Ballerina Idea’ the Uttara and Myself had before changing to the next idea;

James McManus, 2017. Control servo with ultrasonic distance sensor and Arduino Uno – YouTube. Available at: <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W6YNDse4-aw&gt; [Accessed 14 March 2020].

Another sketchbook page showcasing the two ideas (Drawings) I produced between week 7 and 8 as part of a task set out by myself and Uttara;

 

(11/03/20) Notes that can be seen below expand on the conversation I had with Emily ‘Tutor’ in relation to moving towards the ‘Ballerina’ Idea with the moving mechanism triggered by a touch sensor. This was discussed with Uttara who use FaceTime during the session to talk to  Emily and Myself.

 

(14/03/20) Further discussion with Uttara on finalising plans for final project piece. A final idea is coming together although a future discussion with Emily or Tina is needed before myself and Uttara proceed to buy the appropriate Hardware/Software  for the final piece. At the time this was written down the concept of an Interactive Bluetooth speaker is still being strongly considered for further development.

 

Screenshots of the messages sent between myself and Uttara during the discussion held on 14/03/20;

 

The link that can be seen below showcases the PowerPoint Presentation created by Uttara for the Final Idea Pitch during Week 7 (The PowerPoint has added tweaks from myself after the scheduled lesson);

 

 

 

The link that can be seen below showcases the early planning for the ‘DM Tech Festival’ which will be set up at the end of this trimester. Original PowerPoint was created by Manon, with added tweaks provided by myself later on;

DM Tech Festival Presentation (Early Development).

Word Document dedicated to research into materials needed to create stereo;

 

Sketchbook page depicting initial notes written when discussing the recent development in the final idea pitch with Uttara. Two drawing were also produced (Sketches) to further flesh what the final stereo might look;

 

This weeks session focused on myself playing with the moving equipment using Raspberry Pi, Arduino and BBC Micro:Bit Circuit. I took several photos of the practical activity I participated which can be seen below;

Basic Circuits and Equipment compiled together and on their own:

 

Tech in Motion within class and BBC Micro:bit Coding Site (Before entering my combinations in the coding site);

 

Tech in Motion within class and BBC Micro:bit Coding Site (After entering my combinations in the coding site);

 

The thoughts I have on the ‘Make Things Move Session’ is

The link to the Word Document containing the research in relation to unique tech found in ‘Make Things Move’ session can be seen below;

‘Make Things Move’ Research. Interactive Environments. Week 6.

The photos that can be seen below showcase the rough notes I produced in my sketchbook during the first meet up with Uttara Srikanth. Uttara will work opposite me for the final piece of this module. Although there were conversations with Jacob over the last few weeks, it has been decided that myself and Uttara will work together while Jacob will work on his own final piece;

The sessions topics that were taught during Week 5 consisted of showcasing ‘E-Textiles’ and ‘Wearable Tech’ (Via Raspberry Pi) with many of these pieces involving sewing in LED’s or Circuits within specifically made fabrics to create an interesting interactive piece.

Due to the nature of the class there are no photos of the class performing activities using the technology taught in Week 5 as the fashion design students who were meant to attend and help out in the workshop turned down the offer to participate with the technology and group within the Digital Media course.

The photos that are seen below however are notes I written during the class when the tutor of the module (Emily Godden) went through the various unique ‘E-Textiles’ and ‘Wearable Tech’;

 

A potential circuit that I’ll consider for the final piece (on my own or in a group) is the ‘Skywriter Touchscreen Circuit’ which could provide a more contemporary edge to the final idea I will further develop for this module;

The thoughts I have initially when observing the ‘E-Textiles’ and ‘Wearable Tech’ displayed in the scheduled session (and in further research I provided for this week) is of raised curiosity in the various pieces that can be created with the combination of Technology and Fabrics. The Wearable Technology appealed to me the most as it best personifies what is expected for this module and also links into another module being taught in the second trimester which will be looked upon more closely.

Despite overlooking the session taught and the research conducted by myself looking into ‘E-Textiles’ and ‘Wearable Tech’, I concluded I wont be providing too much focus on either of these technologies taught in Week 5. The ‘Wearable Tech’ pieces however do link to existing ideas I have made over the past couple of weeks both for this module and the other module (Graphic Design).

The Word Document that can be seen linked below expands on other interesting pieces that fit into the category of ‘E-Textiles’ and ‘Wearable Tech’;

Research into ‘E-textiles’ and ‘Wearable Tech’. Week 5. Interactive Environments.

 

Click to access insta360onexquicksta_1562852766.pdf

The ‘Raspberry Pi’ Circuit Board is a series of small single-board computers developed by the Raspberry Pi Foundation in the United Kingdom. Like the Makey Makey Circuit, this circuit board is used to teach basic computer science in schools and any other facilities linked to the education system.

The photos that can be seen below demonstrate my interaction with the Raspberry Pi equipment during Week 4 with one of the Macs wires used for the ‘Touchscreen Raspberry Pi’;

The thoughts I had after playing about with the ‘Raspberry Pi’ Circuit Board is how well set up the board is providing many features and functions that lends itself to being incorporated into really interesting interactive pieces not too dissimilar to what was displayed in the previous second years exhibition.

The use of the ‘Processing’ Programme and a Touchscreen proved quite appealing to me as it can lend itself to the ideas I produced over the last four weeks. Further thoughts on ‘Raspberry Pi’ are expanded upon in the ‘Research Word Document’ seen at the end of this blog post.

 

The ‘Arduino’ Circuit Board consists of both a physical programmable circuit board (referred as a microcontroller) and a piece of software, or IDE (Integrated Development Environment) that runs on a computer/mac, used to write and upload computer code to the physical board.

Experimentation with the ‘Arduino’ set up can also be seen below with an array of photos with Emily (Tutor for this Module) demonstrating how this piece of technology works;

The thoughts that I have after having a play with the mechanics of the ‘Arduino’ Circuit Board is initially of surprise at how the sensor worked as I was unsure what the function of the ‘Arduino’ Circuit was at the beginning of the session. Like ‘Raspberry Pi’, the circuit is easy to set up and is cheap to purchase the equipment.

This will also be considered for the final piece in relation to making the piece more interactive for the individual who will interact with the final piece. Further thoughts on the ‘Arduino’ Circuit Board is expanded upon in the ‘Research Word Document’ seen at the end of this blog post.

 

Sketchbook Pages containing notes taken during the Week 4’s session can be seen below with a further development in possible ideas with Jacob Barry who, at the time this was written, was considering interest in joining up with me for this module to create a final interactive piece;

 

The Word Document that is linked below expands on the two unique pieces using the technology of ‘Raspberry Pi’ and ‘Arduino’ with my added thoughts;

Research into Unique Technological Use of ‘Raspberry Pi’ and ‘Arduino’. Interactive Environments. Week 4.