Jeniffer Heng

Hi! Hey! Hello! I present you with an entree of academic ravings and a banquet of ideas and research documentations for KIB102! Bon Appetite! #inspiration #brainstorming

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link to mash up as back up

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FINAL MASHUP - CARDBOARD KINGDOM

LINK TO MASH-UP

CONCEPT

The main purpose of this mashup was to aggregate live data that would show the most recent papercraft related articles, creations around the world and popular Deviant Art submissions (every 5 days). 

It aims to inform users about popular/new paper craft sources, show mappings of real word activity in 'cardboard kingdom' and fresh talent from the deviant art community. 

SOURCES

Yahoo Pipes

Deviantart Gallery Search

Flickr

GoogleMaps 

Aggregate RSS Feed = Minicraft Paper + Paperkraft + Instructables + Paper Forest

Some sources listed in previous posts have been removed because rss feeds could not be extracted

DESIGNPROCESS

 Issues

While still grasping the foundations of CSS and HTML, this web mashup proved to be quite a challenge. Having numerous failed attempts at parsing data from feeds using php and javascript, it seemed logical that I stuck to yahoo pipes. The issue with embedding yahoo pipe badges into the webpage is that there is not much flexibility with changing the styles using css.

My original idea was a little ambitious and through the many trials and rethinking, my idea was stripped down to the utmost simplification. By keeping my mash-up simple I intended to use javascript to help present the data in a way that would encourage user interaction (e.g hovers and animations). But with all the failed attempts I decided to let the idea go.

Solutions

My solution to issues encountered with coding up the mash up was always - Yahoo Pipes. or referring back to online tutorials .

Below are initial design layout ideas for the mash up:

From the brainstorming phase it was decided that the mash-up would remain on one page. Using php/javascript to hide and reveal 'divs' or drop down menus that filtered the main information (explains the nav links). 

#design mock-up 1

#design mock-up 2

#design mock-up 3

REFLECTIONS

Due the very simple nature of the mash-up, should have focused more on mobility - responsive design. I see this mash-up as a source I would go to, if I wanted inspiration/ideas when I don't have access to a computer/fast internet. 

Definitely exercise my html and css skills more often and start learn the basics of php and javascript.

I wish I was skilled enough to pull off some javascript coding on my own (not copying off tutorials), so that my final mash-up could have been a piece that I was proud of. 

Through process of finding data and seeking appropriate methods/mediums to represent them - I now have a much more open mind to open data.  

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reflections

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Teaser Trailer

Acts as the rabbit hole - it should position the audience to believe they have entered an alternate reality - entered into a software program.

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A couple of sketches - drafted.

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MISSION #1:

* Alert! Chevron dumping toxic waste to the Amazon in Ecuador - Chief pleads for support

* Find evidence and rally a flash mob (organised on facebook)

* Recruit 3 people to join 'The Catalyst'

MISSION #2:

* Alert! Blackbird Enterprises is helping these companies erase evidence - Help find them

* Use Interactive Map to locate various clues inside Concrete Paradise

* Augmented Reality Mobile/Wecam: Used to grab passwords

* FInd USB - hidden link inside .txt file source code)

*  Lead to website(or online flash) - enter password to obtain files (Wall St confidential files- relate to government bailout); floating in the catalyst

MISSION #3:

* Alert! BB Enterprises has tracked the Shadows Movements

* Use Map to find more clues - ideally walking players through a hall of shame of past government corrupt activities (e.g nestle - fair trade, BP - oil spill, Ontel - Accounting, Nike - sweatshop and etc). 

* The Catalyst video animation - morse code in audio (spells BB)

* Campaign to hide the shadows idenity

* players upload video - pleading to support the shadow - instructions are provided to players (so it is cohesive)

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1. A mock up website that allows users to gain access to more information, if the password is entered in correctly. 

2. Very much inspired by Conspiracy for Good, with usage of mobile technology. I was hoping to stencil (stickers) Blackbird Enterprises logo around (or relevant images) on specific locations. 

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1. AR Card with webcam - a possible visual result that will allow the audience a chance to encode the crypted password. 

2. Flash App: Interactive Map - A possible 3D animated map, with rotation so users can direct them selves around the 'hidden city' and receive hints to find location of the next clue. 

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Project Timeline

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Fictional logo created for Blackbird Enterprises

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List of Materials + List of Roles and Responsibillties

List of Materials

 Programs (Adobe Creative Suite; Photoshop, After Effects, Illustrator, Flash, Dreamweaver) or similar substitute

 Computer (Mac or PC)

Hard drive to store files (Master Copy)

1 USB (use in-game)

Mobile (For testing applications)

Internet Access

Actor (for fugitive sub-plot – if needed)

Sticker (Poster) Print out / Stencil / Spray-paint

List of Roles and Responsibilities

VIDEO EDITOR / ANIMATOR

 Edit teaser trailer

 Animate / edit videos used in game

Outcome: Have videos that communicate aesthetic of game and links to new clues as per game structure

FLASH APP DEVELOPER x2

 1st App Designer

Build Augmented Reality

Outcome: An app that will strengthen immersion of audience, where the mobiles / webcams are the portals to viewing virtual world based on clues(logo) located around Brisbane city.

2nd App Designer

Build Interactive map

Outcome: A tool that give users hints to where Logo locations are, and building structures important to the game

WEB DESIGNER

Create the fake blog website (Make sure it works)

Set up fake accounts (Facebook, twitter, YouTube)

Outcome: A working interactive interface that is implemented into the game narrative without major disruptions (i.e not doing what it was intended to do).

CONTENT MANAGER / STORY WRITER

Help build the strength of the narrative by adding/subtracting/editing

Make sure content over various interfaces are cohesive

Make sure no information differ / contradict itself

Outcome: Audience is clear on the narrative of the story and what the instructions are – minimizing confusion. Fosters immersion strategies.

RESEARCHER

Locate places to integrate game

Obtain resources relevant to game (i.e map of Brisbane city)

Real World issues that can be implemented into the game

Outome: Helps with create the notion of disbelief, and finds real world information that the game can build itself onto.

GRAPHICS DESIGNER

Develop logo for use over various interfaces

Develop overall aesthetic for game (font / titles / colour scheme)

Outcome: A cohesive visual reference for various other interfaces – that audience can easily recognise. 

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Media List

Mobile / Laptop

  Act as a portal to the augmented reality

Preferably a smart phone with camera (operating system specifications to be decided in flash development)

Laptop with webcam can also be used

 Fake Website – Blog

Presented as a wikileaks styled blog roll

A link to download application needed for game – Interactive Map + Augmented Reality for Mobile [SAVE ME]

Application to gain clues (can be online too)

A app that contains zip files of top secret sources that help to progress in mission

Only can be accessed when password has been cracked and entered.

Hidden Youtube Video

Acts a teaser trailer that leads into the fake website

Gain user interest

Application for Web/Mobile Augmented Reality

Give players agency - being active in 'The Catalyst'

Application for Interactive Map

A map that gives clues to where the  next clue may be.

  Stencil / Stickers

Located around Brisbane city strategically – too give the illusion that a concrete paradise does really exist

The are the hidden clues users must find (integrated into each individual picture/location is a cryptic password to unlock information.

USB – Secret Files – URLS

Located in various location that contain ‘top secret’ files on some details on corporate abuse from high profile companies

Facebook Accounts

Created as a group to facilitate Facebook flash mob mission

Users can communicate on this

Twitter Account

This will only be used in the subplots as an communicative tool for the ‘fugitive.’

If users lose track or fail missions, twitter will guide them back on the right path

Wiki Account

Contains information about Blackbird Enterprises

Users can gain more information and generate a negative bias to it

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The Plot Description: Concrete Paradise

The underlying purpose of this ARG is to empower players by helping them realize a sense of agency. Moreover, to fit in the theme of ‘a better world’, this ARG also aims to educate users on particular ethical issues (poor corporate governance / corrupt organisations).

Structure:

Through a fictional narrative, we will incorporate real life events - in particular the missions. This will give a sense of real time play.

Characters:

Blackbird Enterprises - the antagonist - a multi-billion dollar company planning to overtake the 'hidden city' 

The Shadow - an anonymous identity - the protagonist - seeks to name and shame corrupt companies whilst protect the 'hidden city'.

The Setting: Concrete Paradise / The Catalyst

Set in the present time, an alternate (parallel) reality emerges though the concrete surfaces of urbanised cities – a new existence spawned by the increasingly digitised world. However, the majority of civilisation remains blissfully unaware of its existence, even though it literally surrounds them. Rather than attempting to accept that it is an alternate reality, think of it as a hidden digital city – integrated into real life. (Hidden within the walls could be a code, a password, the key to holographic maps and interactive interface)

Those who have uncovered this secret construct, aim to keep the treasure to themselves, protecting paradise from corruption. It boasts as the key to an oasis of information. It thrives on innovation and open source codes. It survives on the basis of collaboration.

Many refer to this digital paradise as The Catalyst.

The Complication:

A large organisation (Blackbird Enterprises – 'We view the world from above') has recently become aware of its existence and wants to steal the city for profits. Known for its power hungry domination. At this stage, the high profile company is attempting acquisition of the Catalyst with strategy. It seems they are seeking to infiltrate the city undercover and slowly overtake the digital city. Placing many logos as the portal around various concrete surfaces.

To prevent this, an anonymous identity (known as the shadow – becomes the puppet master) based in an unknown underground research lab has been tracking down confidential phone lines and movements of high profile organisations. On pursuit of tracking down suspicious activities, to identify whether Blackbird is responsible – The shadow has encountered evidence of corporate abuse by other large organisations.

Afraid of outside sources gaining easy access to his information and identity – The shadow releases his information through a series of set missions. Using the digital city to exchange information. Here he recruits players and immerses them into the reality of 'The Catalyst'.

Sick of some organisations lack of corporate social responsibility, the shadow attempts to name and shame them all. Especially Blackbird Enterprises.

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March 26 (Bloomberg) -- JPMorgan Chase & Co., Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc. and UBS AG were among more than a dozen Wall Street firms involved in a conspiracy to pay below-market interest rates to U.S. state and local governments on investments, according to documents filed in a U.S. Justice Department criminal antitrust case.

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"It was a very difficult thing to do, to take billions of taxpayer dollars and bail out the financial institutions that precipitated the crisis,"

Fareed Zakaria - Foreign Affairs Analyst

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Very interesting perspective and behind the scenes knowledge on large companies of wall st's (mainly lehman brothers in the article) criminal activities - as well as government support for them. 

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Here are some more of my brain storming processes