Work Done This Week

This week we presented our pitch to the class this week. Furthermore, we also provided feedback to all who presented. This was a very valuable task to further support our fellow peers to ensure that everyone was provided detail feedback which will ultimately help improve the overall quality of their concept.

This week also saw the commencement of the 'virtual classes' whereby studio session was conducted via Zoom. It was not all smooth sailing due to a few technical difficulties to ensure stable connection during the class video call.

Individual Preparation Work

Individual Research

Colour Theory

Colour theory is a term used to describe the collection of rules and guidelines regarding the use of colour in art and design, as developed since their early days. Colour theory informs the design of colour schemes, aiming at aesthetic appeal and the effective communication of a design message on both the visual level and the psychological level.

Modern colour theory is heavily based on Isaac Newton’s colour wheel, which displays three categories of colours: primary colours (red, blue, yellow), secondary colours (created by mixing two primary colours), and intermediate or tertiary ones (created by mixing primary and secondary colours). Colours can be combined to form one of the five main colour schemes that allow designers to achieve harmony in their designs. These are:

Tetradic using two sets of complementary pairs

Colour temperature is another vital consideration in design—by distinguishing between warm, cool, and neutral colours, we apparently have the power to evoke emotional responses in people. Warm colours are those with shades of yellow and red; cool colours have a blue, green, or purple tint; neutral colours include brown, grey, black, and white. While these groupings hold true in a general sense, emotional responses to colours can also be heavily affected by gender, experiences, cultural associations, and other personal factors. Consequently, researching the traits and expectations of a target audience is vital for not only fine-tuning the positive impact of colour used in design but also preventing design failure.

Common Feedback and Further Works

After presenting our pitch, common feedback received from the academic staff and fellow peers was to further investigate and research the link between music and colour theory.

Hence, as a result, I found the following:

There have been many studies and academic research papers which have indicated the relationship between the use of music and colour theory as a behaviour modifier. I have found many papers which have indicated that healing has been linked to the use of the arts, in particular, music and colour because of their innate ability to bring about mental, emotional and physical calmness. Although much has been written on the use of colour and music as relaxants specifically within a nursing/medical context, there appears to be little information available as to why music and colour have this calming effect. This article examines music and colour as relaxants by briefly describing the neurological and physical mechanisms that bring about the effect of relaxation. This brief exploration is placed within the context of learning disability care. The aim is to provide ideas for a more peaceful and relaxing environment for an adult with learning disabilities who also has autism and exhibits severe challenging behaviour. The results of a small case study and implications for other areas of nursing are discussed.

Sources:

• https://www.magonlinelibrary.com/doi/abs/10.12968/bjon.1999.8.7.6649?casatoken=8TqfItljGSYAAAAA%3AWB63lDHwoeOyCiGyrEpymzYwSQLDNBBtcSOgfYgVTl2xxx8t5OBjrhMzlVufDlyu5a18LhKtkAYM7s&
• https://cs.nyu.edu/courses/fall02/V22.0380-001/color_theory.htm
• https://generalassemb.ly/blog/color-theory-emotional-impact-right-colors-design/
• https://books.google.com.au/books?hl=en&lr=&id=Rb59CAAAQBAJ&oi=fnd&pg=PR7&dq=colour+theory+research+paper&ots=GToS0mLdeU&sig=vNX9ww_YOgCcWJOBToiPc1lYGrQ#v=onepage&q=colour%20theory%20research%20paper&f=false
• https://www.jstor.org/stable/751049?casatoken=U7zUQjjiQ0cAAAAA:EzJTTZCekBY7ksgZUNXDrR1pSfzKjc2K40IV0xzLviC0U9aKyR4b3KqRD9TwwnXHYC2GwjPjTcT3dstv82rBypkutpx0YvhWEZZ5gRCoPTHLn91cB9pLg&seq=1#metadatainfotab_contents
• https://sp.lyellcollection.org/content/232/1/49.short?casatoken=2Pi4xqw1EL4AAAAA:j4w6CE6Y8-klFPVYsOqAQjdoowj3VrTMYix5r4TXVbPn0rn9zWrhUeQnc8TBSqVXLud0GQ5h1SwmWDD

This week, we needed to pitch our ideas to the studio. Therefore, we really needed to solidify our concept and idea. Prior to this, it was obvious in our group discussions that each individual had their own interpretation of the theme. Therefore, I suggested for the team to all go and further design the theme concept space and report back to the team.

As a result, below was my own interpretation of the theme space:

Enhance Mundane Spaces

Definitions

Enhance: intensify, increase, or further improve the quality, value, or extent of.

Mundane: lacking interest or excitement; dull.

Spaces: position (two or more items) at a distance from one another, be or become euphoric or unaware of one's surroundings, especially from taking drugs

To Enhance

• You empower

To be Mundane

• Mundane tasks

o Use your curiosity to enjoy activities such as washing dishes and organizing.

o vacuuming, doing dishes, or dusting the house

o activity you dislike

• It is not a choice, rather it is a must

• Something you dislike

• Something you find discomfort

To NOT be Mundane

• Spark curiosity (https://www.psychologytoday.com/au/blog/what-matters-most/201705/how-deal-boring-or-mundane-tasks)

• Challenging/complex task

• Strength of creativity

• Prudence strength to organise

• Stay focused, using self-regulation strength

• Appreciation of beauty

Inspirations:

* https://www.researchgate.net/publication/263594631MundaneMobilitiesPerformancesandSpacesof_Tourism

• https://www.psychologytoday.com/au/blog/what-matters-most/201705/how-deal-boring-or-mundane-tasks

Reflection on this exercise

This was a great concept as it allowed all group members to share their interpretation to ensure that we captured a holistic interpretation of the theme space. By employing this method, the team was able to freely devise and formulate their own ideas which were shared and further refined as a group without the fear of subconscious judgement

Concerns Thus Far

In recent weeks the coronavirus has been a major concern for me. Given the epidemic levels at the moment, it is a timely reminder to ensure good hygiene practices.

Due to this rising issue, I have my concerns regarding this semester academically and the disruption that this virus will have a detrimental impact on the semester both academically and health-wise.

Given the nature of this course and the high levels of interactions needed with other parties (e.g. user testing, exhibition, etc.) I'm uncertain that we are still able to ensure these activities are carried out to achieve the best possible outcome.

The coronavirus has impacted and will continue to impact families around the world. Inevitably academic studies will also be impacted due to disruptions and unexpected closures or isolation.

None the less, on a positive note, we are continuing to power through and communicate with the team via skype. This is quite an inconvenience due to connection/network instability with people cutting in and out during calls.

Stay safe!

Inspiration & Live Stream Presentation

Today we were very fortunate to have had Bash present to us live from the UK. He provided invaluable insights into the industry and this experiences thus far in his career and life. He shared some key point regarding employability, the importance and significant of this course, as well as life in the UK, interview questions and how to negotiate wages. Regarding employability, the major take away I received today was the importance to engage in a recruiter and growing a solid relationship with them. It is important for the recruiter to have a solid understanding of you so they can help position you in the best way possible. Also, he shared how an recruiter can help negotiate salary and have those awkward conversations on your behalf.

Bash also highlighted the importance of being unique. He had us conduct an activity whereby he had us write 50 words about us:

My name is...

I am a ...

I am unique because...

Then had us cut the paragraph down to 25 words, then 10 words, then only 5 words. He then asked us to share those and focus on those 5 words.

This was a very unique and interest exercise/experience. It provided me with an opportunity to reflect and provide added focus.

Team Formation

Today, we also found out about our teams. The lead up to the announcement was one of both anxiety and excitement.

I am proud to announce that our team comprises of three very like minded, diligent students. Collectively we are aiming high and will work very hard during the semester to achieve the best possible outcome.

In our team we have: Jen-Wei Sin, Rine Laegreid, Laura Pham and me and collectively as a unit we are excited to have embarked on this journey together and will continue to inspire each other to deliver!

Reflection

Today in the studio we undertook an activity whereby we grew existing inspirations to develop and share our own ideas. This process is called "World Cafe".

Personally as I reflect on Today's process, what makes such a seemingly simple practice — that of talking together about things that we set out during our studio 2 and developed and intentionally linking the essence of our conversations with students. Through our informal conversations, it offers us the opportunity to notice the possibilities for mutual insight, innovation, and action. I feel, through using this World Cafe methodology process, it offers a unique mixture of freedom and focus, of coherence without control.

Work Done

Today during World Cafe, we were able to experience and learn/ immerse our understanding of other ideas and general themes. This was another stage in the ideation process in which we undertook to seek inspiration to generate a brilliant idea.

Three rounds were involved whereby specific tasks/focus areas were explored. In the first 2 rounds, with each different concept/theme, I encouraged the group to define each of the words in the theme. This allowed the group to mutually understand and gather everyone's interpretation of the theme. Without restricting a specific idea on each member, this allowed the group to gather ideas from different perspectives to collectively define the space for the theme.

During each round, we respected all group members to ensure their ideas were fairly shared without interruptions. When I came up with an idea, to ensure that my thought wasn't lost, we had two large butcher papers to jot down our ideas to share after the other person has finished sharing their idea.

After three rounds of world cafe, we were given an opportunity to vote for the best concept/idea

After the three rounds, I'm really inspired to further investigate the idea of "enhancing mundane spaces".

Further Research into "Enhancing Mundane Spaces"

In today's society, we are constantly surrounded by mundane spaces. An interpretation of mine at this stage is:

ordinary spaces and places that don't normally get a second glance and that are often overlooked by the world because of there mundane and ordinary status in the world.

Typically car parks, building entrances, loading bays, public open spaces, back streets and "Non Places/Spaces". I will be further looking into space both in a physical and abstract context.

Lessons Leant

From my experience after today's workshop and understanding thus far, World Cafe methodology fosters an environment that develops good conversations. I felt during the studio, this World Cafe approach is designed to get authentic dialogues started. This is in order to encourage the sharing of ideas in a relaxed, informal and creative atmosphere.

This week I had my Space induction. This was a session whereby we learnt how to most appropriately and safely use of the building 78 workshop room.

During the session, there was a heavy emphasis on health and safety. Checking tags, visual inspections of the tool prior to use and never force a tool were the main takeaways from the session. Closed in shoes must be worn at all times and due to the size of the class, we cannot "claim" an area in the workshop.

Relfection

In today's session, we were inspired by other ideas presented to us by fellow peers. Although each presentation was succinct, most who presented today conveyed their ideas and concepts with clarity.

I noticed a trend in ideas whereby emotions, shoes and music were hot topics regarding individual concepts.

Tasks completed in the session

Feedback

It was very useful and effective in completing these critique forms as each student presented. This was an effective way to ensure we were engaging in the presentation and also providing an opportunity to provide valuable feedback.

Idea Explanation

Concept - SMART BEDROOM

Utilising the most recent AI and heat-mapping technology, it will allow the SMART BEDROOM to map emotions in the body.

The bedroom will respond to the human’s emotion accordingly. Responses by the AI incorporate all 5 senses to help better the emotion/situation.

CONTEXT OF USE: Retirement Home - BEDROOM

Motivation

In today’s society, there is a constant battle to help those who are battling with mental health, and in particular the emotions of the elderly and children. In today’s society, there is a contestant emphasis on ensuring the quality of life and healthy personal well-begin.

Emotions originate in the brain but can manifest as physical feelings throughout the body. Given the demographic, accessibility and university access is a major factor to consider. As a result, this does not require conscious human interaction, rather the AI will detect and action accordingly.

Affective computing is an essential part of current HCI. This technology allows for automated human affective behaviour recognition. This type of recognition is provided by means of the capture and analysis of implicit information about the user, such as vocal and facial changes, alterations of body movements and gestures, and so on. Recognition of affective behaviour is a part of effective interaction where a computer approaches the emotion, mood, attitude and personal preferences of the person. Adding the ability of emotional intelligence to computers makes them more coherent to the humans who interact with them. Light and colour are omnipresent environmental factors which influence the human being.

Light and colour are ubiquitous environmental factors which have an influence on the human being. Hence, light and colour issues have to be considered especially significant in HCI and fundamental in affective computing. Affective computing aims to integrate issues dealing with emotions and computers.

Inspiration

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This Week

As the first week of PhysComp comes to a close, a clear introduction was presented to us - addressing concerns, questions, and what to expect during the semester.

I'm very excited for what we can achieve in this course and very much so looking forward to the exhibition towards the end of the semester. I'm looking forward to working with the team to develop a product in which we can all be proud to showcase to the general public, fellow peers.

HCI Grand Challenge

- Challenge 5: Accessibility & Universal Access

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Reflection

This week was just a taste of ideation which amplified that there are a lot of ideas out there, given the ambiguity, no restriction, judgement free space and the freedom to be as creative as one can be.

About Me

Hi! My name is Jason Yang and I'm studying a Bachelor of Commerce and I.T. Innovation has been a huge passion for me, especially after working for SAP in their Innovation Network Centre team. I am very passionate about innovation, graphic design and collaborating collectively as a team to deliver the best results.

What I Hope to Learn/Achieve in PhysComp

Since this course has been designed for students in their final year, I would love design and showcase at the end of the semester a product in which we can all be proud to show potential employers.

I would love to grow my experience in ideation in particular as this stage is usually the most sophisticated - given various factors.

Furthermore, it is great that this course provides us with an opportunity to build a physical item with no material limitations per se.

I endeavour to achieve a high grade in this course through high work and collectively develop an innovative masterpiece which I am able to proudly showcase in my portfolio at the and of the semester.

Looking forward to a solid semester and working with everyone in the studio! Let's make great happen!