Post 2

• Play Session
  
  So group 2B got a little crazy last class. Two decks of playing cards, an assortment of legos, a ball of yarn, some duct tape and neon lights... which was all we needed. The intention of our PLAY session was to create basic prototypes through random creativity. Using objects with or without relation to our project, we needed to expand any potential outcome. “PLAY” as a form of collaborative field work was explained extensively during our last class. Tim Brown, through a recorded lecture on TED.com explained the importance PLAY has on innovation, that in order to create, one must have fun. Needless to say, group 2B had fun... By the end of our meeting, we had established that the focus of our project would be based on distraction. One of Desmond’s main concerns was that he was unnoticeable at nighttime. What we established was that fashionability is as intrinsic a quality as our product’s ability to distract. Kerri made a string vest out of yarn, Marian explored the application of flashing lights in a helmet and I made a ridiculous hat out of playing cards, a frightened miniature cow and a ruler. What was finally determined was that Vadim’s creation worked the best. Symbiotically, a series of neon wires circulated his arms, chest and back... Once the lights were turned off, all other prototypes became invisible, Vadim’s symbiotic neon wires glowed with full radiance, just the distraction 2B needs... without being too abrasive.
  
  
• PLAY SESSIONS AVAILABLE @
  
  http://www.vimeo.com/6843987
  
  
  

• ELIO + SENSORS:
  
  I speak for every student who hasn’t taken second skin and software when I say: I WISH I TOOK SECOND SKIN AND SOFTWARE... During last class we were given a short lecture on conductive textiles and smart materials. This is what I gathered from Elio’s visit: Smart materials react to natural elements like heat, magnetism or solar exposure (There are probably different elements take are applicable, but for the moment I’m unsure). Photochromic thread is a smart material that responds to solar exposure, while I’ve never actually witnessed this miracle, I look forward to the day I can point it out and look intelligent in public. We also took a look at conductive textiles, which could be used as pressure sensors, soft buttons and tilt switches, all of which are activated by heat and applied through pressure.
  
  http://slab.concordia.ca/