EmbraceLink

September 22nd, 2024 by Isaac Cheaz

Prof: Inmi Lee

Overview

For my first IMA performance, working with peers from Interaction Lab, we created a sleeve that could share the embrace of a hug with loved ones across the globe.

The idea was originally proposed by Ella, to address the issue of Connection Paradox.

The project took a lot of trial and error, being our first IMA performance/project designing. But in the end, it was very fullfilling and got to experience a "slice" of what IMA is about.

Kitrina & Ella

Discussion with Professor Inmi

(Successes & Failures) Process

1. Planning:

Brainstorming ideas was likely the most time consuming part of the project. Our first draft of the device weren't sleeves, but instead, a set of necklace and rings. These accessories would project a "colored" hug onto your body, feeling the embrace.

However, after a recitation class about interactivity and visual cues/implications on the usage of a device, we decided to continue brainstorming.

We spent a couple days experimenting on subtle features we could add to the rings and necklace in order to imply its usage. Ultimately, we dropped those accessories and chose a sleeve with velcro instead.

2. Designing:

With an idea in mind, along with its details, we picked a day to meet in the IMA Lab on floor 4.

Choosing the materials took a huge chunk of our time. Cardboard wasn't our first option, we planned on using cloth, so that it wouldn't be rigid and looked fashionable when worn.

However, after a discussion and a recommendation from Professor Inmi, we found that cardboard would be a more suitable material due to its versatility and how easy it was to work with.

We used cardboard for the base of the sleeves, and a cloth on the outside along with decorations to be in the theme of "2134 futuristic".

Personally, it was my first time working in the IMA Lab. I was unfamiliar with the materials available and where they were stored. Exploring the lab was very interesting, from the mannequins next to the glass window, the Velcro stored in the cabinets to the extra-long glue sticks in the back, it was all very amazing.

Glue.mp4

Script & performance planning

Rehearsal

Analysis of the Project

Our project, although taking a significant detour in the designing sector, hasn't changed it's objective to connect loved ones across the globe.

The challenge we tackled with this gadget was Connection Paradox in 2124, Shanghai. With the improvements in technology, people can see each other from all parts of the globe.... but the problem was could they feel each other?

Before the performance, we were asked to not do an "infomercial", sort of "Show don't Tell". We had to rely on visual cues and details on the gadget itself to imply its functions.

We added Velcro to the top of one sleeve and the bottom of another to imply where it should stick and added designs, such as hearts and other symbols of "embrace" to imply it's meaning. Still, I do believe there were more we could've done to further show it's functions without telling.

2134 technology is supposed to be, in my opinion, very minimalistic and void of redundant parts. So in a sense, we had too much 2024 technology influence when designing the sleeves. That would be one of the changes I would apply to our project.

Final Performance

performance video.mp4

Notes/Extras:

Our team was pretty unified and nobody really had defined roles. My "role" for the project was documentation/photographer, but I also contributed a lot in the designing and script process. For example, I suggested we use the glue guns provided by the class to stick the designs on the cardboard. On the script, I polished the lines and added a more natural feeling to the flow of the story. Being the only freshman in the group, I was comparatively inexperienced, but that didn't stop me from being a core member. Our group, with its diverse background and different ways of thinking worked together to communicate ideas from all perspectives.

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