Group Research Project - Tide 

Members: Alice, Constance, Tim, Yancy

Our teams artifact "Tide" was created to show the idea of restriction the use of other devices depending on how much the user socializes with others. It was made to keep social interaction in a good level, When the time runs out, the device will turn off the user's devices. These devices will only turn back on and recharge once the user has done the bare minimum amount of social interaction. That was the main idea behind the "Tide" project.

Successes of the Artifact:
The device effectively shows one of the main problems from Digital Addiction section by addressing the sense of disconnection that can come from being online all the time. Our artifact solves this problem by requiring people to interact with others for a certain amount of time to keep using their devices. This helps to maintain real life human connections and keeps them valued. Even though it encourages persons interaction, the artifact does have some limitations.

Failures of the Artifact:
I think that the connections made through this artifact may not always be genuine. Humanity could overcome this problem and keep talking to others just to keep using their devices. Although the goal of the device is to create chances for real connections to develop. While there will always be some pros and cons. After some time when the government will make it mandatory to installing TIDE AI,  It becomes normal. People start and tend to develop habits of forming real life connections as they socialize to recharge their devices..

Relation to “Interaction”:
Our team defined interaction as a “dialogue between an user and an artistic work. We chose the Digital Addiction prompt. I believe our artifact fits well within the definition of social interaction. For example,  at the beginning of our presentation the professor Andy was not so sure about of our device and what was its purpose. Ultimately, through our demonstration and Q/A we were able to clarify its purpose and show how it worked. Even his initial confusion was taken as a form of interaction and feedback with our presentation. It led to a better understanding of how our solution showcased the connection problem in the prompt.

Illustrating the Complex Nature of Technology:
During performance we showcased deep physical aspects of technology by showing how the artifact is implanted in the body and connects to personal devices. and everything related. We also showed many ways technology nowdays influencing interaction and relationships between users. Implantable tech could sound quite odd and will definitely make privacy concern.

Artifact Changes:
Our current artifact offers a basic idea of implantable tech with the base of a circle, but some improvements could make it more polished and better reflect its intended design:

• Reducing its size to make it smaller and make weight more comfortable

• Adding more interaction get feedback from the device.

• Recreating it to make it look durable  like a one solid item

• Changing heart implant to a wrist band or something that stays where you want but still keeping it mandatory.

Performance Changes:
I am sure our performance was good in the way it showed all the emotions of users and pros and cons of the device. At the same time I think we could have enhanced the setting by adopting a more "show, don't tell" approach like my friend Chris told me after the class. We could also make visuals and more action to leave a better understanding.

Teamwork and work split       (Work Division is from project planning document)

1. Research and Ideation

Responsible Member(s): Constance, Alice, Yancy, Tim

2. Design and Artifact Construction

Responsible Member(s): Yancy, Tim

3. Performance Planning

Responsible Member(s): Constance, Alice, Yancy, Tim

4. Documentation

Responsible Member(s): Constance, Alice

Teamwork Dynamics:
Our team worked well together understanding each member's strengths to support each other. We recognized that everyone had unique skills and this understanding allowed us to work. For example, Alice drafted the initial script. Later on Constance revised to better meet assignment expectations, like focusing more on "showing" rather than "telling." and overall performance quality. Yancy and I mainly did the physical part of our project, such as creating and designing. I also focused on arranging and emphasizing the components of the performance. 

Design and Artifact Construction:
We did the artifact's design. Yancy created the main body and shape of our artifact. But I helped to glue it and design it later on. We all had a part in cutting the cardboard components based on Yancy's directions. Ultimately teamwork was like a dreamwork!

Work Division:
The tasks were fairly balanced. Alice and Constance mostly worked on the script. While Yancy and I focused on building the artifact. Both sides reviewed each other’s work and offered feedback.

Communication:
Communication was smooth and effective. We set up a group chat in WeChat which helped us with this project. We used the chat to share photos of our progress and schedule meetings and our overall thoughts on the project. Additionally, we regularly met in my dorm room to rehearse and work on the project.

Critical Analysis of Group (Telephone):
The group presented a clever and direct solution to the "Digital Addiction" problem. Unlike our project, their approach gave users more control in developing relationships, making it feel less forced.  I like how the complexity of the questions, get higher and higher. It goes from “What is your name?” to “What is your goal in life?”.
The use of the vintage old-style telephone in their performance was highly creative. They demonstrated how the phone work, and how is it important in our life and in connection of people. However, the group’s excellent performance, I feel they should have focused in one thing instead of making it broad and general.  Developing a relationship is really meaningful, especially if both parties intend to continue it after being “matched.” Ultimately, I have nothing else to add for the group. Overall they did a really good job!

Video of the Performance