For assignment 2 we focused on the concept of virtual reality, one of the many characteristics of online screen media that we discussed in class. We attempted to create a virtual reality experience panning across a bedroom as if it were someone turning their head in a specific direction. We tried to incorporate as much sensory quality into our project however was only limited to a video and some audio. However if we were to have the resources to explore further into our project we would use the resources of a VR headset to really block out surrounding noise and to be able to focus and immerse themselves in the project alone.

The prototype of our project unfortunately is a pre determined experience for the viewer as they don’t have much of an option to experience anything else around the room other that what we have created. This is shown at the fact that the video pans across the room clicking an object, it zooms in, after experiencing the object based on sound and or video it proceed to zoom out and moves on. This affects the viewers ability to interact and immerse fully into the project. Therefore I feel like viewers are unable to engage with it to its fullest. Throughout the process off assignment 2 and engaging with other peers projects, we started to question myself if our project was to be even considered under the category of interactivity ? Is a simple selection (not even by the viewer) and the response generated by the project (again, not by the viewer) enough for this experience to be considered interactive as a whole?

I really enjoyed engaging with the non-fiction projects in class because it opened my eyes to a whole new world of interactivity. As much as I’m studying media, I have never independently researched and experienced non fiction projects such as the ones presented in class. There is something way more interesting about having the power to decide what you wanted to look at whenever, wherever and the ability to be in control of my interaction with the projects. Others in class thought otherwise but maybe that’s because I have only covered the surface of the extent that interaction can reach.

It got me thinking if we were to explore and develop this VR experience to it’s fullest potential, how would we incorporate more of the other senses (i.e. smell/touch?) using the online resources and the advancement of technology?

This is our prototype for a virtual reality interactive experience. Every object in the room represents a memory or an aspect of the owners life and with just a click of an item, our aim was to trigger that memory or a subconscious thought that brings you back to an experience you had with the object, whether it may be a passion for photography, you favorite song or your favorite soft toy back in the day.

I never fully understood the basis in classifying online media projects as a form of ‘new media’. This weeks reading “The Language of New Media” by Lev Manovich discusses on 5 principles of new media that provides us with a different perspective on the characteristics we should take into account when talking about new media works. We discussed these principles further in class in relation to our assignments.

Numerical Representation

Considering most new media is internet based and programmed on computers, it is likely to be created in numerical form. Computer coding allows media content to be sent via different media sources making it very accessible in terms of it being less time consuming and more cost efficient when it comes to creating online content. Examples include sampling, online collaboration and ability to do live streams.

Modularity

To allow for several components of online media (i.e imaged/video/audio) to function together as a whole efficiently whilst also being independent therefore the piece of media being created collectively also has the ability to make sense by itself and be watched independently when taken out of context. This stretches the endless possibilities of creating something that in the future will be seen in conjunction with other works. An good example of this are GIF’s, videos/images are collected on one site to create a gif but if broken up, the individual texts will still be understood.

Automation

Automation can be defined simply as the automatic functions of creation done by computers. In new media, most things can be done instantly, with just a click of a button. The ability for the computer to receive data from human interaction and automates accordingly. This is shown in most editing software programs such as Lightroom, Adobe Illustrator and Premiere Pro.

Variability

These past two weeks, Kelly and I looked into the characteristics of online screen making and how the use of hashtags have the ability to categorised content such as images and information on multiple online platforms as well as bring media consumers and creators of the same interest together within a space accessible with just using distinctive keywords to search.For assignment 2 however, we’ve decided to explore and experiment on virtual reality. This idea sparked after engaging with the non-fiction documentary entitled ‘September 1955’. A virtual reality is a digitally created space that simulates a realistic experience, in which one could “interact with objects, people, and environments, the appearance of which were bound only by the limits of the human imagination” (J.Fox, D.Arena & J.N. Bailenson, 2009).

As said by Monovich (2001) new media is recognized for it’s construction,  storage and distribution and involves the use of computer-based technology therefore we do consider our project to be an example of new media. Unfortunately our project can only be distributed as a presentation. This is because our capabilities/resources have only allowed our prototype to be in the form of a video therefore there will not be as much interactivity as we intended. Our initial plan was for  viewers to engage with our work by clicking on what catches their attention and being able to explore further however with the lack of the ability to interact in that way, we decided to focus on a realistic experience through the engagement of our senses. The aim is to provide the viewers with a realistic experience as simple as looking around a room \ for them to immerse themselves in it through sight/movement (the video) and hearing (sound). I guess the question I asked myself and my groupmate was to what extent can we make this project more interactive and not just in terms of participation.

This non-fiction project is a virtual reality documentary of the Istanbul massacre that occurred on the 6th of September, 1955. The project is presented in the form of a 360 degree video incorporating sounds such as narration, dialogue and ambience noise creating an atmosphere for viewers to really engage and immerse. In my opinion the importance and purpose of making this projects as interactive as possible for viewers to experience what it was like in the victim’s point of view and to encourage empathy towards what the victims have gone through.

The quality and level of interaction is shown when the movement of the viewers head is turned in any direction, causing the video to respond to this change in direction and giving us a different angle of the room. However what I felt is that,  as interactive as it is by the ability to move around in the room, there isn’t much more to interact with as the video just continues on to not break the events of the massacre. Another element that we discussed to be common amongst online media that i took into account during the experience was the fact that it was a very aesthetically driven, carefully constructed to replicate the surroundings and environment of the rooms in 1955.

The main element of interaction in my opinion however  is the ability to explore the environment around you and to be open minded to learning this project in terms of its educational aspect “as it serves warnging againts extremism and mob mentality”. Experiencing this project has given my friend kelly and I a clearer idea of what we wanted to explore further in the next assignment.