Prototype #1
This first prototype was mostly about me experimenting with methods and techniques. Since I wanted to start recording and mapping colours, I documented one block and tried to figure out ways I could translate it into visuals. I feel like it falls somewhere between ‘implementation’ and ‘look and feel’ prototypes.
Prototyping
Instead of making choices myself about what colours to represent in my model, I used p5,js to condense my images into pixels, from which I could then eyedrop colours and come up with a colour palette for the block.
For the actual visualisation, I chose to work in three dimensional form this time because I felt like it represented volume and experience of colour better than the 2D ellipses I did for my base project in 7-in-7. I used three.js to build a series of blocks of different colours, representing amount and intensity of different colours around the block.
The goal of this prototype was to experiment with building a 3D form to represent colour, and to see if that resonated with people in terms of their experience.
Feedback
I appreciated getting feedback on a wide range of topics for this prototype. One of the points that came up multiple times in discussion was that since I used square blocks to essentially build a large tower, the form of the visualisation was misleading in that it could be easily read as a large building instead of representations of colour. I’m going to try using a more abstract form that does not represent the built environment of the city.
Another thing that came up was context. Right now, the colour blocks are just floating in space, providing very little idea to users as to their purpose of meaning. Along with basic text or labelling, a contextual map overlaid on the model might help give more direction to the prototype. On the other hand, Gulniyal mentioned that I could instead not provide a context plan and instead let users decode different neighbourhoods just by virtue of their colour palette and volume, which I’m thinking of incorporating.
I also got more logistical feedback, about the technical aspects of the prototype, about interactivity and representation. That helped me think about more grounded aspects of the prototype, and to articulate what exactly I wanted users to experience when they interact with my project.
Reflection
I think the prototype works as a jumping off point for visualising colour data of the city, but the concept and process definitely needs refinement. Right now, it is confusing, and does not provide clarity as to its role and purpose. However, I think the colour materiality works well, especially with limited opacity for different squares - it works as a representation of layers and layers of information, often hidden behind the restricted layers we can see.
Next Steps
Moving forward, my priority this week is data collection - since I need to build a database of colours, and I want to do a larger area, I need to get started on building that ASAP. I am recording locations along Fifth Avenue, from Washington Square Park to the corner of Central Park at 59th Street (this was one of my earlier locations for my 7-in-7 too). I think these two locations provide an interesting contrast of people, demographics, and activities that take place in the area.
I’m also thinking about what I want my final product to feel like, and how I can achieve it. I’m aiming for a more abstract interpretation; something that provides an overview of the whole, which users can delve into if they choose to interact with it. As such, I want to also get started with the technical aspects of the project, because it’s going to take me a while to figure it out.
Weekly prompts
What were 3 significant achievements for the week, related to my final project?
After doing one round of prototyping, and getting feedback and reflecting on it, I feel like I have a much clearer idea in my head of what I want the project to be, and what I want it to feel like.
I am new to coding, so I am happy with the fact that I built a 3D model using javascript - I could have just used a 3D modelling software, but I felt like starting with 3D is better if I’m going to make it interactive in the way I want to.
I created a structured timeline - subject to revision as time passes - where I outlined what my rough goals are and what I want to finish in each week leading up to the final presentation.
Did I spend time on the right things? If not, how will I improve next week?
I feel like I spent too much time coding, and I could have worked smarter and made the process easier for myself. I do think it helped me figure out what I was doing and how I needed to do it better, but now that I have a rough idea, I think planning my work better next week onwards will help me be more efficient with my use of time.
What was the biggest lesson you learned this week?
I think the biggest lesson I learnt was that I cannot do everything I’m imagining, and I need to seriously narrow down my scope to fit in the time, energy, and resources I have available for a five-week project.
