Spatial Media Design
Spatial media design is the planning, implementation and execution of media installations that operate interactively in spaces. Something as simple as a map can be used to create spatial media, but in this course we will be using Quick Response Codes (
see introduction here)
. Spatial media using QR-Codes build environments that are information rich. Moving through through these environments activates flows of information. Objects and places can be tagged with spatial media and if they are open public spaces then this information can be made available to many people. Spatial media, when it is done effectively places a layer of information over a physical space that is accessible to all.
Making a sketch lets you put your ideas on paper, giving them a form that can be questioned, commented on, developed and changed. Its not about making a 'good' sketch,' it is about having a conversation with yourself, and those you are working with. In this session we are going to sketch and plan a curation project that uses QR-Codes to create a mixed media museum space in the public domain.
The Tools
Pencil and paper
camera/phone/PDA
audio recorder
laptop computer
tablet computer
QR-Codes
Websites (blogs, Facebook, wikis, existing sites, online archives)
Measurement/Collection
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Site
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drawing
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photography
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diagrams/maps
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archives
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Information
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interviews
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texts (print, audio)
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documents (images, records etc.)
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Architecture
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buildings
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objects
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design (both of subject and project)
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Articulation
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interface
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media
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hardware
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software
Display/Interaction
Most of the content you will be working with will be curated; that is you must find it rather than make it. Because you are working with curating you need to classify your materials and organize them. One possible way of organizing your materials is according to mode and location:
MODE
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ONLINE
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OFFLINE
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Digital
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Objects
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Texts
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Architecture
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Intellectual Property Rights
Intellectual property (IP) refers to creations of the mind:
inventions, literary and artistic works, and symbols, names, images, and
designs used in commerce.
IP is divided into two categories: Industrial property, which
includes inventions (patents), trademarks, industrial designs, and
geographic indications of source; and Copyright, which includes literary
and artistic works such as novels, poems and plays, films, musical
works, artistic works such as drawings, paintings, photographs and
sculptures, and architectural designs. Rights related to copyright
include those of performing artists in their performances, producers of
phonograms in their recordings, and those of broadcasters in their radio
and television programs. For an introduction to IP for
non-specialists, refer to:
The innovations and creative expressions of indigenous and local
communities are also IP, yet because they are “traditional” they may not
be fully protected by existing IP systems. Access to, and equitable
benefit-sharing in, genetic resources also raise IP questions.
Normative and capacity-building programs are underway at WIPO to develop
balanced and appropriate legal and practical responses to these
issues. For more information, refer to:
- IP and Traditional Knowledge
- IP and Traditional Cultural Expressions/Folklore
Writing the Space
In creating the space of your exhibition I think it is worth paying attention to Alternate Reality Gaming ("An alternate reality game (ARG) is an interactive narrative that uses the real world as a platform and uses
transmedia storytelling to deliver a story that may be altered by participants' ideas or actions."
Wikipedia). In the development of
ARGs these aspects are important:
- Audience Analysis. Identify audience traits including age,
gender, job description, cultural aspects, and other demographic
considerations including team dynamics.
- Learning Objectives and Goals. Identify the learning
objectives. All activities within the environment should support the acquisition
of these objectives. Link objectives and goal statements to the
specific business needs. Having a clear goal in mind will help ensure a
focused design.
- Compelling Story. Create a story arc containing a beginning,
middle, and end. A compelling story, combined with good writing, is a
key element in a successful environment. Creating meaningful characters, and
roles that players can easily relate to through their own value system,
is extremely important.
