Activity 2

After taking a week to consider the research, areas of interest, brainstorming and possible project ideas I reflected on what I really wanted to commit to doing over the rest of the term even though the path is just a path and is just a direction so walking the path will probably be different: I feel that after talking to my peers I wanted to move forward with combine Digital fabrication and applying to projection mapping would be affect way to give a real like application into something more expressive and conceptually into a educational museum applicational.

Workshop 1

Action research is a method that investigates and solves issues simultaneously. It follows a cycle of Planning, Action, Analysis, and Conclusion. After concluding, researchers reflect on findings and may repeat the cycle for continuous improvement, refining the final outcome.

Action Research

The project aims to create an immersive, interactive marine life exhibition using advanced projection mapping, digital water effects, and 3D scanning technology. Inspired by real-world applications of projection mapping in museums, aquariums, and public spaces, the exhibit will blend physical and digital elements to transport visitors into an underwater environment. By incorporating interactive components, such as walk-on-water experiences, 3D-printed coral reefs, and touch-responsive displays, the installation will engage audiences of all ages while educating them about marine ecosystems and conservation efforts.

Workshop 2

As a group, we read the following website: 15 Tips on How To Deal with Student Burnout - Thrive Global Student burnout has become increasingly common due to academic pressure, social media, & personal responsibilities. The article shares the story of Student A, a college student juggling intense coursework, social expectations, and household duties while living alone. The article then shares 15 tips on how to overcome and avoid burnout!

Executive Function

Proposed concept: Touch pools usually contain hardier marine life like starfish, sea cucumbers, small fish, anemones, and certain types of crabs, which can withstand gentle handling. *These animals are more suitable for touch pools HOWEVER...

1. Stress on Marine Life: Many species found in touch pools (like starfish, sea anemones, and certain fish) are sensitive to handling. Being touched by large numbers of visitors can cause physical stress, damage, or trauma, particularly when people don’t handle them gently or correctly. This can result in health issues or even death for the animals.
2. Disruption of Natural Behavior: Marine animals in touch pools are often removed from their natural environment and may not be able to exhibit natural behaviors, which can affect their well-being. They might also face difficulties in adjusting to captivity, affecting their physical and mental health.
3. Unsustainable Collection Practices: Some touch pools source their animals from the wild, which can contribute to overfishing or disturb fragile ecosystems. Even when animals are bred in captivity, there are concerns about whether the environment provided in the pool is adequate for their needs.
4. Hygiene and Disease Transmission: People handling the animals could unintentionally transfer harmful bacteria, viruses, or parasites to the creatures, which could harm the animals or even spread diseases among other species.

Now, regarding fake fish or simulated marine life, they can be considered better in certain contexts due to several reasons:

1. No Harm to Real Animals: Fake fish or replicas don't have the same welfare concerns as real animals. They provide the experience of interacting with marine life without the stress and harm associated with handling live creatures.
2. Sustainability: Artificial fish and marine life don’t require collection from the wild, which reduces the impact on natural ecosystems and avoids contributing to issues like overfishing or habitat destruction.
3. Long-term Use: Artificial marine life can be used repeatedly without the risk of harm or mortality, which makes it a more sustainable option for long-term exhibitions and educational purposes.
4. Hygiene and Maintenance: Fake fish can be easily cleaned, preventing the spread of diseases or bacteria that might affect real marine animals.

Testing Action Research

Research Reflection

Our group received feedback to look at EDM music videos for inspiration and to consider incorporating sound. Since EDM concerts often use projection mapping as part of their visuals, adding interaction to our music could enhance the experience. We were also advised to explore TouchDesigner and begin learning the program, as there was uncertainty about its functionality and potential applications. However, they enjoyed our concept and provided positive feedback. They also asked about the materials we plan to use—whether we would incorporate sand or, alternatively, project layered visuals of sand to illustrate which creatures live at different depths of the surface, mimicking tide pool zones.

Next Steps

The next step would be to start using Touch Designer by watching and carefully following YouTube lessons. Including continuing to follow our action research. o assess the available space in the classroom, we are renting projectors and testing their basic features. Since our project relies on projector usage, we also need to explore the capabilities of the Kinect.Additionally, we aim to investigate object tracking, shadow interactions, and the key features of TouchDesigner.