Research: Planning artefact1

I have been putting some thought into my first Artefact, these are some considerations:

What strengths and weaknesses does interactivity provide when telling a narrative?

How will I test this?

Create two prototype websites, 

• one with a interactive one page sliding layout, 
• and one with a traditional navigational structure with several webpages interlinked on the navigation: "Home", "About", "Contact us".

Why?

• I am testing does linear/non-linear narratives affect user experience/usability?
• Also I am testing does interactivity aid or improve user experience/usability?

How will I measure this?

Test the two layouts on an audience and at the end let them give feedback on:

• Which one was easier to use and why?
• Was it easier to find things?
• Which one was more interesting?
• Which one would you prefer to use and why?

What results am I predicting?

I don't know. I am going to see what happens. Perhaps the slider would work better because the scrolling adds functionality, and the scrolling effects create a strong visual impact. And from my website research on the following websites: Dragon Children, One page scrollers, it appears that sliders are a good vehicle for telling narratives.

Sources

Stellar javascript slider tutorial

Exceptional example of a narrative being told in a slider

Nike's better world slider

Part 2: Research One Page Scroller

continued from last post...

Remember your dreams

http://www.discovershadow.com/

• There is a link on the first page that redirects to another webpage about getting the App before introducing it first. Sounds more logical to have this at the bottom, don't you think? 
• Visual step by step "How to", slider layout helps because its sequential/methodical

Initial experience

First off- great idea! An App to record your dreams. :) The slider is a good tool to show a step by step sequential process. Simple but effective.

Von Dutch

http://www.vondutch.com/

Initial experience

This is essentially a digital info graphics slider that tells the history behind an iconic influential person. Again this is a sequential narrative and the interactive slider does help; the information flows fluidly.

Every Last drop

http://everylastdrop.co.uk/

Essentially, a lot like "These are things" website. Its about water conservation, and the set changes and tells a story. The setting provides context for what activity uses how much water and how we should cut down. 

Apart from scrolling, there's not much user input. You don't need to click to open up anything like you would expect in an interactive environment. 

Research: One page scroller

I thought I look around one page scroller's because they are interactive ways of conveying a message in a linear and often narrated style.

This post looked helpful, I went through the list and quickly went through each one to get a flavour and initial thoughts and experiences on each.

http://1minus1.com/labs/talking/10-beautiful-scrolling-one-page-websites

These are things

http://thesearethings.com/

• About a design and illustration studio, tells us what their "agency" does
• Playful style, fun cartoon characters
• Each slide shows them being in a different stage set

Initial experience: 

Firstly, I'l talk about the usability. Personally when I first went on, I glossed over the navigation and started scrolling manually. This does not look good since the characters aren't in the right position. I'm wondering, why have scrolling at all then?

I can see the illustration style the duo produce but apart from that, where is the gallery to see  your latest work? Perhaps more material you could browse would produce more of a interactive environment feel, if you like. So the idea is great, but why not push further with it.

More than Twenty

http://www.morethan20.com/

• Option to use scroller or the traditional navigation. Choice of Linear/non-linear!
• Illustrative style, handwritten
• The "About section" starts off as relateable personal story about "growing up" and "how time passes by quickly" to how she became a "photographer". It humanises everything
• It also explains the concept behind why her website is called "More than Twenty"

Initial experience: 

I really like this website, its captivating! Just by how it connects to you. The narrative is free flowing without needing to physically click on the next link. She sounds like a very real person and its convincing how passionate she is about photography. If I needed a family portrait, this is who I would ring!

Artem and Julia wedding

http://artemjuliawedding.com/en

• A visual slider about how a couple met and how they became married. Does tell a story clearly, but there is almost no tension in the story. Its a "Happily ever after", without the middle bit about the "Prince coming to the rescue"
• It does look nice visually, and the slider helps telling a sequential story
•  but its not very memorable.

Client Project Practice Presentation

Yesterday, I did my presentation in front of my peers and lecturers. It got some very helpful feedback on what to improve for my real presentation.

• Define your project specifically: name it Nottingham loves Royal Theatre if this is the only one you're looking at
• Be clear about your aims: what is the purpose of my project? What do you aim to achieve or do in the project.
• Sourcing: Make it clear where your sources are from! Define 5
• Research: Perhaps make a mood board? Look at spirit nottigham, 2am-media, infomation design, data visualisation
• Name 5 keywords
• Time management: Make a Gantt chart to show how you're going to plan out your time
• Evaluation: Start evaluating what you have done so far, what have you learnt? Why are you focusing on Theatre royal specifically?

I will upload my prototypes shortly.

Client project idea: YCA

Hello, so I've been putting much thought into what to submit for the YCA brief with its HUGE amount of scope. I went into the Nottingham Tourism centre and took some leaflets to see what was going on locally.

After some consideration I think I want to base my project on:

Nottingham loves THEATRE

Alistapart Narrative

I read the article about narratives on the Alistapart website and I found it very relevant to my project.

http://alistapart.com/article/narrative

Here are the main points I got from it:

Stories are fun, web designers jobs are to make the narrative satisfying and create a positive narrative experience. The experience should be memorable- the customer should remember the experience and us.

This is true except for peripheral web services where a forgettable experience would be more appropriate, the sooner the late parcel is tracked and received the better.

A memorable service

• Create a story
• An user experience
• A dramatic arc
• Offer alternative options, additional options;
• additional information the audience might want to pursue;
• Find out what your user wants

Creating a narrative

• Its natural! The story is already there
• For a cause or crusade- the story is the struggle
• Coperate sites- the story of the company, not wishy-washy generic aims
• Business blogs- the evolution of products or trails of product development

Research Project Feedback

Hello,

Today I got feedback from my lecturer David Downes about my research. I showed him my most recent research and my development of ideas. He think's that I'm heading in the right direction but I need to define more specifically, in what way does interactive help a narrative.

• Does it help the audience engage with the narrative?
• Does it make it more enjoyable experience?
• Does it help there intellectual understanding- does it help the audience relay historical events better?

For instance, if I was going to create a artefact to test how interactivity helps intellectual understanding, I could create a artefact based around he narrative: Henry 8th and his wives. I would create two prototypes. One would be interactive, the other would be linear. They aim to test how interactivity can help people remember historical events.

I may find that the interactivity could work better because the audience can make decisions and read the bit that interests them the most. This may mean the information becomes more memorable to them. However, they might miss bits of information, e.g. one of the wives whereas in the linear they wouldn't because you have to read it in order.

Perhaps the interactive artefact could help retain knowledge better because you can incorporate an objective into the 'game' before progressing to the next step such as having to click somewhere specific. Is active learning more effective than passive?

I'm going to do some reading around some sources to get some ideas.

Client Project Inspiration

I've been trying to get an idea for what to base the theme around for the Young Creatives award this year. I thought I'l look at some of last years winning entries for some inspiration. I will be adding more tot he list as I get through them. I hope it will help me think of something

Suhayl Hussain Graphic Design winner

http://arteceurope.wordpress.com/hidden-nottingham-a-few-facts-and-information/hidden-nottingham-leaflets/

 



I thought this piece was particularly strong because it explores all the hidden place in Nottingham that you wouldn't normally know about. It fits into the project brief. Overall, there is generally a good consistent style throughout and the elements seem to complement each other. I'm contemplating to do a flyer/pamphlet for my YCA entry.

Visual Thinking: Questionaire's/Quiz's

My idea is using web interactive as a new platform for communicating narratives. I have looked at websites that use slideshow based design. The information is structured in a chronological/methodical sequence. This order allows the development of the idea/message to be communicated effectively.

I thought it be good to tailor information to the users input to address a narrative that is appropriate to them. 

One way to do this are Quiz’s that tally up your answers, e.g. A, B or C. The most chosen answer provides a answer specific your chosen A, B or C.

I could use these structures to deliver information based on the users input. The purpose of this could be to persuade them about a ethical issue for example. If they choose the wrong answer, you could provide an option for them to view the answer if they had chosen the correct one.

Examples include

NHS Alcohol calculator 

Asks multiple choice questions to the user to evaluate if your having too much alcohol. The information provided depends on what score you get. This comes under self help guide. The purpose is to inform the user. 

Zodiac Questionnaire 

Questions to determine what Zodiac sign you are. There is some kind of system that adds up your answers and determines what personality that you match the most. 

Visual Thinking: Flowcharts

I think flowcharts will be good to look at because of how it impacts the user.

It follows a process, your answers determine which pathway you take. Yes or No can be used. The wrong answers can lead you to consequence or different course of action. Flow charts construct a narrative.

Ideas for my own narrative could be complex processes like: how to sign up for getting a visa. The narrative could address, what obstacles are involved. What are the different methods to obtain it? What is the best way to get citizenship? The narrative could have an agenda, such as to argue how impractical a system is, and how there should be better reform to make it better. You can back up your argument with information.

Siutational things work best, when there are different criteria that will determine if your eligible for something, e,g. housing benefits.

The amount of UCAS points you get and the average amount for the top tier, middle tier, lower tier universities (require data). Simulate the best possible choices for you depending on your expected grades. I think this will work if there is a database or something behind it to retrieve the right information, the focus will be, how to visualise this information in a creative way? 

My findings from studying interactive narratives

Upon looking at the three interactive narratives, I’m starting to think the way that information is structured help highlight a sequential development of a message/argument. This has been achieved by organising the argument into sequential steps or into 3 case study categories and presenting those in a sliding like layout. This leads me on to think “How does structuring information help communication effectiveness?”

I want to look at different approaches/methods to visual thinking. E.g. mind-maps, flowcharts etc. These can be used as vehicle to present narratives.

Different layers of narratives

This is a list of the layer of meanings that a narrative can provide directly or indirectly.

• Surface meaning
• Ethical/moral meaning
• Political/religious meaning 
• Cautionary warning

Different interactive elements that can be used on a website

• Photography/images; visual storytelling
• Filmic material; documentary based storytelling
• Comic; panel based storytelling
• Moving slideshow with audio commentary
• Film credits; a series of slides with typography

Purpose of a narrative

• So far, the narratives I have been looking at aims to: Present a view about a social issue of some kind
• Inform/persuade/engage the audience
• Challenge perceptions, stereotypes, and misconceptions

A narrative I could choose to work with for my artefact could be about communism. This would work well because it is a complex message with multiple interpretations that allow the user to construct their own perspective about the issue. 

Interactive Narratives: After the Asylum

This website has been featured on interactivenarratives.org- a directory of websites noted for engaging visual storytelling that fosters interaction, discussion and learning.

The subject matter is about people who suffer from long term mental problems and the lack of asylum care for them.

The front page uses a horizontal sliding slideshow displaying slides of typography and photography, much like film opening credits.  

Structure

• Horizonal sliding layout that introduces 3 case studies
• A article page for each personal account. Uses combination of video and text, documentary style

Conclusion

The rest of the website is structured into 3 different ‘article’ looking pages, one for each case study which focuses on 3 personal stories about their lives and how asylum care has helped them. The documentary style website is good at informing and encouraging support for more asylum institutions.  

Interactive Narrative: Dragon Children

This website has been featured on interactivenarratives.org- a directory of websites noted for engaging visual storytelling that fosters interaction, discussion and learning.

The subject matter is about: The dragon children. The website is about demanding parents holding traditional values striving for achievement; forcing their children to becoming academically educated, sometimes against their will. 

I really like the use of full page visuals, accompanied by videos on each page. The design is scroll style and highlights a step-by-step sequential development around the issue. Its very logical to follow. Some pages have 3 artefacts, (e.g. stats with commentary, mini interviews).

Structure

• Flash based website
• Vertical style slider navigation
• Right hand side navigation
• "Essay" like argument, develop ideas in 7 steps
• A mixture of factional information, and personal 1st person interviews
• Provides both sides of the argument, fosters interaction and discussion

Conclusion

I feel the design is appropriate to its subject matter and it helps us to understand the message better. I like the flash based website, with typography overlaying the tinted semi-opaque photo background. Each page has a different image which keeps it looking interesting. 

And the menu is ordered in 1-7 steps, providing a systematic approach, it helps them develop their argument in a structured way. This can also be accessed through the sidebar interface or clicking the drop-down making navigation easy.

Interactive narrative: Africa to Australia

This website has been featured on interactivenarratives.org- a directory of websites noted for engaging visual storytelling that fosters interaction, discussion and learning.

Africa to Australia 

The subject matter is about asylum seekers and feeling sense of belonging in a new country. Main themes are: identity crisis, feeling respected and accepted in society, racism, opportunities for ethnic minorities.

Audio commentary compliments stills or footage

The website is very documentary based, it follows stories of people and their lives. The information is 1^st person and personal, and offers a new perspective on the lives of an immigrant. Some of the content are slideshows with commentary, with some lmfiic material inbetween e.g. interviews. I think it’s a honest interpretation of the subject matter that isn’t often shown in the media.  

Structure 

• Horizontal slider website
• Links to a gallery homepage (like a menu)
• Features "8 case studies"
• All personal interpretations
• Different accounts/perspectives about the same main themes/issues

Conclusion

I think the interactive elements do help highlight a sequential development of a message/argument. Its appropriate to what its trying to put across. 

Research Proposal Feedback

This is the feedback I received from my tutor and lecturers regarding my research proposal. Things are looking good!

Research Project resources

Possible research sources

Experience design: goggle key word, smashing magazine, user profile personas, personalisation
http://uxdesign.smashingmagazine.com/2010/01/29/better-user-experience-using-storytelling-part-one/
http://uxdesign.smashingmagazine.com/2010/10/05/what-is-user-experience-design-overview-tools-and-resources/
http://52weeksofux.com/
http://www.uxmag.com/
http://www.uxbooth.com/
http://www.boxesandarrows.com/view/building-a-data


Storytelling and the use of narratives: uxstorytellers, smashing magazine, alistapart,
http://alistapart.com/article/curse
http://alistapart.com/article/narrative
http://uxstorytellers.blogspot.co.uk/


Visual perception and interaction in graphics; symbology in signs, icons, logos, gesaults design theory (patterns)
http://webspace.ship.edu/cgboer/genpsyperception.html
http://www.cs.mcgill.ca/~kaleigh/publications/logo_talk.pdf
http://formulate.com.au/articles/padf-part1-shape/


Infographics: different methods-> infosethetics, information is beautiful, flickr,  Prefuse,, innovative interactivity, infographic news blog,
http://infosthetics.com
http://www.informationisbeautiful.net/visualizations/
http://www.flickr.com/groups/datavisualization/pool/
http://prefuse.org/


Gaming (flash, canvas games)
http://www.slideshare.net/GameHUBbe/the-value-of-games-in-companies-david-nieborg

Research Project Proposal

Research topic

• Compare to what extent interactive design (animation/games/web interfaces) is more effective at creating a coherent narrative than traditional print based methods (Infographics)?

• How does information visualisation works in different forms and how they help tell a coherent narrative. How can Interactive information be used to aid traditional static communication methods to convey a coherent narrative. For example, an interactive info graphics that highlight a sequential development of an idea/message.

• How information visualisation works in different forms and how they help tell a coherent narrative.

 

Young Creative Awards 2014 Brief

MMPR30025: Client Project
Assigned Project Brief

Project Brief: (Prepared by: One Nottingham: You
ng Creatives Awards 2014 general@onenottingham.org.uk.)

The theme for the Young Creative Awards 2014 is:

Nottingham Loves…

What is it that you think Nottingham Loves… and what do you love about
Nottingham? There are many great things about the city and through this
competition; you can share what you love with others.

Nottingham loves young people… because it is a young city. Nottingham loves art
and culture, its history and style, cricket, its communities, diverse, new and
established, its parks and wildlife. Nottingham loves creative people, fashion, and
comedy, and music. The list is huge, but it is up to you to show us what you think
Nottingham and Nottingham people love.

You can enter any of the categories listed below in order to stand a chance of
winning prizes, gaining recognition at a prestigious show case event and featured in
the local press. Entering the competition gives you access to creative industry
specialists, writers, designers, film-makers and many more.

The awards recognise the talent and imagination of young people.

You are invited to submit a piece(s) of your creative work which could highlight
aspects of what you love about Nottingham? What would you love Nottingham to be
celebrated for? Be as creative, unique, experimental and expressive as you like
within the categories of your choice based around the theme. The most successful of
past winners have not only been creative but they have met the brief and have given
us a new way of seeing Nottingham.

To enter the Young Creative Awards, make yourself heard by creating something
that you can give your voice to and become part of a showcase of young creative
talent here in Nottingham. Just show us what you see in the theme: –

Nottingham Loves…
Nottingham Loves… categories for 2014:

• Architecture and Design
• Animation and Digital Media
• Creative Writing
• Dance
• Fashion and Textiles
• Film
• Graphic Design
• Music
• Photography
• Visual Arts

NTU Multimedia requirement:

BACKGROUND / OVERVIEW:

The Nottingham Young Creative Awards competition is gaining recognition by
creative businesses in Nottingham. The awards are an opportunity for young people
to showcase their creative work, network with future employers, and gain valuable
industry experience. Entries also have a chance of winning fantastic cash prizes, and
exhibit work, as well as an opportunity to gain work experience and mentoring.

The Nottingham Young Creative Awards is a search of the best young talent
Nottingham has to offer.

The entry age of the competition is usually 13-24. As a course we recognise that
some of our students are outside this age range. Although we would like students to
enter this competition when the competition closes in March 2014 it is not a formal
requirement of the brief that students enter and we, as a course think the benefits of
working on a live brief are more significant than the specific age entry requirement.
The Multimedia team will be awarding prizes to the top three student projects as
voted for by the staff team.
First Prize = Token to the value of £100
Second Prize= Token to the value of £50
Third Prize = Token to the value of £25

Project Submission elements

-A digital artefact that creatively responds to the ‘Nottingham Loves” brief.
The precise nature of your individual project is for you to determine and to discuss
with your project supervisor. The project concept that you present in week 13 is the
project we expect to be submitted in week 19
We would expect the chosen category to represent your expertise and not merely be
an opportunity to show an interest that you might have. (Assessed Learning
Outcomes: LO3, LO4)
-A digital workbook/project file. This should include your conceptual research;
design research drawings, sketches, prototypes, design iterations; target audience
research and test results; 1000 word evaluation and self-evaluation form. (Assessed
Learning Outcomes: LO1, LO2)
-A digital version of the tutor signed ethical checklist

WHAT IS THE CONCEPT OF THE PRODUCT?
It is important that the senses and emotions are triggered through engaging with
your digital artefact.
Your final submitted product should be evidence of a concept that is articulated
through the design of a digitial artefact. The job of the artefact is to convey the
narrative of that concept. For example your concept might be ‘play’, ‘attitude’,
‘music’, or ‘modesty’.
This concept should be clearly conveyed with conviction, detailed research and digital
prototypes.

TARGET AUDIENCE

You should identify a specific target audience for your product, ‘Nottingham
Residents’ isn’t specific enough. Evidence of testing of your targeted audience should
be submitted in your project workbook.
The most important element is that your product should clearly be designed to speak
to your target audience in their language.
PLEASE SEE MODULE GUIDE FOR PROJECT MILESTONES AND DEADLINE DATES

THE END