Paul Hamilton

Hi, my name is Paul Hamilton. I am a thirty something mature student and am studying Interactive Media Design at Napier University.

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LO1: Design multimedia projects that make appropriate use of physical, aural, visual, time-based and interaction components to convey a message and reinforce its content.

  During the investigation of the public space, Hunter Square, there were multiple ideas that could be applied to improve it.  The first concept that had been devised for this space was a communication booth.  The idea was simple, a booth is placed to in to the space where a person or a small number of people can enter and talk to someone random.  This would mean that some similar booths could be placed in different locations throughout the world offer users a chance to speak to someone new and different.  Sadly this idea had to be scrapped as it would be too easy to vandalise or mistreat the installation.

  The next idea was to incorporate the communication part with a projector.  This would allow users to interact with people who have a similar set up where they are but on a much larger scale than in the previous concept.  Although this is a good concept that has been done before, it would be better to have something with more interaction.

  The idea that has been settled on is having graphics that are projected onto a surface that will change dependent on people’s movement within a certain area.  By using sensors to detect a person’s movement, the visuals will change to reflect that.  Objects can be made to either follow or move away from the individual interacting with the installation.  As well as visuals, sounds could also be played to improve the installation.  As well as displaying the graphics of an interactive installation, special events like international sports games could be displayed on them.

  LO2: Identify the appropriate technology to design a product or installation.

  There are numerous elements needed to make an installation like this be a success.  The most important technology needed for an installation like this one is the projectors that will be used to display any visuals.  There are a number of outdoor HD projectors available that can display the desired graphics in the best possible quality.

  To accompany the projectors, a series of outdoor speakers would be used to make the installation more appealable to users.  There are a number of surround sound speakers on the market that would offer the best quality sound for the installation.

  High end sensors that are able to detect the movement of a person accurately would be required to make this installation work.  Once a sensor is triggered, it will cause the installation to react and behave in a different manner.

  As well as the hardware for graphics and sound, there needs to be something that can store any media and operating system that will run everything.  This could either be a system that is set up at the location or set up somewhere else that sends the information remotely to the projectors.  Having it set up remotely would mean that it would be easier to change the graphics or any of the sound effects being used.

  LO3: Develop working prototypes to appropriately augment an interactive product or installation.

  During the course of this module, multiple applications have been prototyped by using Max MSP.  This software allows for applications to be mocked up quickly and conveniently.  Max MSP offers users the ability to create prototypes that incorporate video, music and graphics to convey how a final product would look and behave.

  There are also a number of settings that can be applied to any media that will change them to act in a completely different manner.  Artists, such as Jamie Lidell, use this software to perform live stage shows where they can alter media as they perform.

  With the addition of devices like an Arduino, Max MSP patches can be used to control lots of physical items.  An example of this would be using the Arduino to control a number of LED’s.  This in conjunction with Max, that can apply additional media, could produce something that is both unique and spectacular.

  LO4: Appraise their work in relation to current practice and theory.

  Throughout the course of this module it has been, at times, a struggle to get to grips with the Max MSP software.  With there being so many parts of this software that can be learned, it would take a long time to truly master it.  By following tutorials, it has offered a good introduction to the program and how to use it.  Although there has been a fairly clear direction for the project and the desired application that would be produced, it has not been as easy to create something that will work in the appropriate way.  This could be improved in future endeavours that use Max MSP by seeking out alternative sources of help like an online forum.

  The creation of a patch that can be used to preview the concept for the public space has unfortunately not worked in a manner that it hoped it would be.  Although suitable elements had been identified, it was not as easy to make these things work together in a way that would suitably show the concept.  By mocking up the concept in another way, it may be able to show the idea of how the installation would work within the space.  This could be achieved by creating a short video.

  By looking at the module in its entirety, the first assessment has been much more successful than the second one.  The investigation of the public space and subsequently the development of ideas on how to improve it are definitely stronger than creation of prototypes.  With practice and hard work, these skills in the software development can be improved which would allow for a more rounded project.

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This is the idea that hopefully the two previous examples will help to represent.  Instead of the balls from the last video, there are fish in place of them.  The interaction from people passing by would make them react and move around the projected area.

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This video shows another element that can hopefully be incorporated with the first to show how the final prototype will work.  At present the interaction comes from mouse clicks that repel the balls.  Dependant on where the balls are also affects the sounds that play.  The combination of the two will hopefully mean that colour tracker could be used to affect the changes of the balls and sounds.

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This brief video shows on of the elements that I'm hoping to include in the prototype for this course.  The introduction of a colourful item, such as the highlighter, can be tracked by the program using the camera on the device I am using.  This would be used to simulate the interaction of a person walking by.

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Hunter Square Visit 10, Sun 6/4/14 (12.20 - 13.20) It's strange to think that this is my last visit for this coursework at this public space.  In typical Edinburgh fashion, it has started to rain slightly which has scared all but me away.  5 minutes later the sun is out with a glorious vengeance. The tour guides must be doing a roaring trade today with so many tourists passing by this area. In addition to the normal sight of tourists and people passing by, there is a big blue bus parked up near the space. When I went for a closer look I discovered that it is a service that offers help with addiction.  For all my visits here, this is the first time that I've seen it here.

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Hunter Square Visit 9, Sun 6/4/14 (11.20 - 12.20) The spot is deserted, there are lots of people passing by the spot only me sitting here.  It couldn't be more different from my last visit where it was full of numerous tourist groups sitting around. 10 minutes in and a guy has taken one of the seats next to me to eat his Greggs lunch.  The pigeons have spotted him and waiting anxiously for any crumbs.  The man is not long followed by his family who have also turned up with their lunch. A group of 5 young tourists have turned up to use some corner seating as a spot to have a cig cigarette break. With the Ramsdens cup final today where Raith will play Rangers, I had expected to see a number of their fans using this space as somewhere to socialise but the only fans I've seen are the ones in the nearby Tron pub. I was able to get an interview with a girl called Alison who has been helping at the Edinburgh science festival.  She informed during the interview that if the area had more trees and grass, it may be used more.

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Hunter Square Visit 8, Sat 5/4/14 (18.30 - 19.30) My first Saturday visit to this spot for the purpose of this project and I'm expecting to see a different side to how it used. As expected, it is so much busier than I had seen on previous visits.  There are a couple groups of people that are on holiday that are using the space to sit and socialise with their friends in a spot that is central. The pubs seem to be fairly active with lots of people outside smoking yet not one of them has spotted the chance to utilise the seating of this spot while they are outside.

During the interview that I had with Holli, it became clear that some people may not like using the space because of other users or perhaps because of the layout of it.

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Hunter Square, Visit 7, Wed 26/3/14 (13.10 - 14.10)

For once this place is really busy.  It would appear that the upturn in weather has encouraged people to make use of this space.  The majority of people seem to be eating their lunches and taking advantage of this outdoor seating in the sun.  The pigeons that normally inhabit this area are delighted that there is so much food about, especially to the two kids who are throwing handfuls of crisps at them. Although the space is busy today, I would assume that it is by opportunists who have found a nice spot to sit and that no one that has specifically travelled to be in this spot, other than myself that is. It would appear that I am not alone in regards to filming and interviewing in this area, a small group have turned up to film one of the tour guides.

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Hunter Square, Visit 6, Mon 10/3/14 (11.05 - 12.05) For the first time out of all my visits, there is a performer here in the form of a piper, David Barnett.  I guess the slight increase in weather and residual visiting rugby crowd is a good incentive to be out today.  He very kindly agreed to do a quick interview for me in between songs.  During the interview, David indicated that the bins were an eyesore and were not good for this space.  Although it's not part of the criteria for this module, perhaps giving city of a Edinburgh council access to our findings would help with future developments of this space. Again there is a tour group stopping in the square but I am still unaware to why. Trying to interview someone from one of the tour groups may give me some extra insight to the space and give me ideas for a good installation.

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Hunter Square, Visit 5, Mon 17/2/14 (12.30 - 13.30)

My initial observations of this visit are the number of people eating their lunch here, myself included.  I've seen three distinct groups all utilising different parts of the area to enjoy their food. A group of teenage boys had been in the area although it's difficult to see why when all they were doing is being noisy and yelling at people nearby.  No wonder nobody uses this space. As I was just finishing my panoramic photo I was approached by Carmine Aiezza, one of the managers of the Ibis hotel.  He seemed really interested in this project and has said it may be possible to speak with someone soon that has a good knowledge and understanding of this area.  I think this could be incredibly valuable as an interview as they are perfectly located to this area.

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Hunter Square, Visit 4, Thu 13/2/14 (19.30 - 20.30)

The spot is dead. There is significantly less foot traffic than my previous visits here. Maybe it's because it's a Thursday night that it is not busy. Even the pubs that are in the square look like they are dead.  

The collection time on the post box is 18.30, perhaps that's a reason why nobody wants to be here at this time.  The church based at Hunter Square is also not being used to its full potential, my research has shown that it sometimes gets used as a venue but this has local residents unhappy about excessive noise.  

There are a number of people holding big signs with the writing "John 3:7" on them.  My research shows that this relates to the bible verse that states "you must be born again". Whether they are having an impact on the people that use this space is unclear but they seem very out of place.

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Hunter Square, Visit 3, Fri 7/2/14 (10.40 - 11.40) For this visit I've decided to take a step back in an attempt to observe the public space to see how it is used without being directly involved. This is clearly a busy time of day as there there seems to be a huge amount of foot traffic passing by and through this spot. Other than a couple people, this spot is completely ignored. This also seems to be a busy time of day for people to be in the area to work. Other than the usual shop and bar workers, I've observed numerous deliveries taking place. There have been a couple women sitting in the space for quite a while, other than myself they must be biggest users of this area that I've seen.  That's if you don't count the many pigeons and the odd crow. I feel that it has been useful to spend this hour observing the area like this as it has allowed me to see how people use the area without being aware they were being watched.

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Hunter Square, Visit 2, Thu 30/1/14 (14.43 - 15.43)

Again the space is not that busy, couple of people sitting around which is an improvement to my first visit.  

In an attempt to truly understand the space, I'm looking at the materials used in an up close way.  This investigation of the building materials may help to give me a better insight of the space.  

One member of the public specifically came to this place purely to smoke although I'm not convinced it was an entirely legal substance.  This is again further proof that the space is being under-appreciated.

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Hunter Square, Visit 1, Sun 26/1/14 (13.15 - 14.15)

Not busy. Given the rain that has been on most of the morning, only myself sitting here. Despite the obvious indicators that this is a good gathering point for people, in this case preparing for the six nations, there is nobody about.

Varying levels of foot traffic but that may be due to the weather. Not given the impression that there are locals that use this spot and that it is underused. Quite noisy with huge amount of traffic passing by, not a relaxing public space. Used for tour groups, may have historical attributes but are not obvious to what.

Not currently too friendly, as I was sitting here a council worker found a quite sizeable pen knife lying next to one of the seating areas. One user of the space in my time there turned up with a rubber skeleton which he proceeded to hang over the railing next to the street. If ever there was an indicator that this space isn’t being used to its full potential, that would be it.