*artifacts overview
*Process overview
Phase 1 Research
Initiative
There are people collecting design objects in Toronto, but there aren’t many design exhibitions, or dedicated museums or galleries. So we initiated to use the brand new gallery space and showcases in George Brown College school of design, to bridge this gap.
Research
Collectors: Bill Buxton & Martin Howard
We got the great opportunity to see the collection in person and get to discuss with two collectors how these two collections come together to tell a story about design, we got an overall direction on using keyboards as a common theme to move the project forward
Phase 2 Ideation
Narration + narrow down pieces
We knew that we need to curate the exhibit around keyboards, but there are still a large number of artifacts that have a keyboard, of some kind, so we work with the collectors, narrow down the exhibition pieces, to craft a cohesive narrative to tell a compelling story.
In the early stage, we intentionally keep the narrative exploration vague and open, to research more on the topics including:
Speed & accuracy, Size and portability, ergonomics; language; Input/output; fingers to keys to paper/screen; standardization and ‘the wild west’; Innovation/creativity; terminology etc.
Early ideation
We want the experience of the exhibition beyond just looking, during our visit to Bill's house, having the chance to look closely, handling the artifacts, learn about them from both collectors is so amazing. And it’s a treat to watch Bill and Martin discussing the objects, designs and how some objects defined and inspired modern designs. So we want the viewers to experience what we’ve been experienced, with some form of interaction.
Phase 3 Concept development + prototype
Exhibition design (layout)
The beauty of putting the abstract idea into physical space.
Interaction Prototyping
I researched some ways of interactive exhibition designs and proposed some methods to achieve such goals, including
prototyping / validation
Idea 1: setting up legitimate typewriters and a wild computer keyboard for a physical strange typing experience.
Prototype: I tried to use an iPad and keyboard to recreate a chorded keyboard, not working due to limited developing skills with Unity. And after testing the working part of the prototype, we found the real thing is the real deal.
Idea 2: interactive video for the viewers to choose which artifact they want to learn about
Prototype: I tried the experience of playing with one of my interactive videos in the scenario. I found that with a basic interactive video, it’s not really a pleasant experience. And time-wise it’s not worth the effort to make a fancy one.
Idea 3: projection mapping onto the object to make them “come to life” with some information overlay and tiny animations.
Validating: it will look magical, but there isn’t a good spot to mount the projector, and it requires more maintenance than we want to.
Idea 4: make an AR experience to let the viewer use their own device walkthrough cases, scanning objects, discover and explore, find some information they will not get from the printed description.
Prototyping: I tried different AR platforms, then we choose to use Zappar because it’s relatively easy to make, and anyone can download the app from app store to experience with their devices.
Prepare for video production
We already know that we will produce some video component on these objects, so we did more research, visited Martin’s place and did some pre production. So that we are fully prepared when Martin shows up in the studio with his fabulous antique typewriters.
Phase 4 Production
Exhibition design (information design)
We’ve got the information, so Sisley designed the clever format of presenting the information, so the description of objects “come out” from the wall just like a typewriter, or the reel of Stenograph (yeah, we didn’t know what this is prior to the exhibit).
Making the interactive component
Interactive station: Purchased a BAT infogrip, made a one-page website, to let the viewers see what they’ve typed. Got a typewriter, and a stack of paper.
AR experience: gathering the materials, making them
Video production (shooting, post-production)
Phase 5 Installation + reception
Reception night
It was fun, rewarding, inspiring, and see all of us get together. So happy to see students playing with that wired keyboard, and typing on the typewriter for the first time.
Documentation
Yep, documentation.
Maintenance
Yep, things can go wrong, and we can fix it.
Testing scales
