Skill Share

In this project we are to attend various workshops conducted by the lecturers in order to expand our skills and experiment with new software/ workflows. We then need to write a short 500 word reflective piece on what we learned and how we may expand and take it further for our projects in the future.

VPT Projection mapping

This workshop hosted by Gillian was my first taste of projection mapping as last year we only experienced it through virtual means with maya using textures.

We were introduced to VPT, a free, real time projection mapping software that allows the user to manipulate images/ video inputted to the program in order to properly map projections to the surface it is being projected on.

We broke off into groups and were at first a bit stuck at what to do, but eventually we all decided to map pictures of our pets to the plinths in the studio, keeping with the light touch theme of the project.

I found this especially interesting as I had never used a software like this and it really opened my eyes to the possibilities of using this software in combination with other projects such as using it in tandem with processing sketches to create really interesting and dynamic outcomes.

VR Workshop

This workshop hosted by Neil and again was one of the first times I used VR but was good for me to get a feel for the hardware and using different experiences within VR, we also learned the more technical aspects of Unity in terms of integrating VR controls to our scene, however, it seems to be a no go on the mac, but seems like a good excuse to get my own VR headset to test stuff out on my PC. The audio coming from the headset was also of great interest to me as it furthered the idea of spatial audio that I used in my RTE project with audio coming from the headset allowing for a truly immersive experience. The headset also fit well with my theme of scale as introducing this to my project would allow the user to walk and look around the environment as if they were there physically, its the next step up form the first person controller.

Arduino Workshop

For this workshop we looked at ultrasonic sensors and step motors, we also learned about their pros and cons compared to other sensors and motors.

There was a lot of information to digest in this workshop but it was also very hands on, allowing us to get a good understanding of the technology and components. I found this really interesting in terms of taking my Control project forward, especially through the use of sensors, Perhaps sensors could trigger the camera? or be in the place of dials using similar logic to the stuff we learned in the workshop. Encouraging the user to move with the camera. This is something that has peaked my interest but would defiantly require a bit of trouble shooting / ironing out for it to work properly. Also very covid safe. This also ties in with the guest talk we had from SoundPlay Projects using interactive elements as well as projections for their experiences.

3D Printing Workshop

This workshop was more of a demonstration and introduction to 3D printing, similar to the VR workshop, we learned the technical aspects of 3D printing, how to set up a scene, the various software that was used as well as how the printer actually works and what can be 3D printed and what cant, I found this interesting but difficult to fit into any projects that I have done in the past, however, it is very useful to know as I have seen the various uses for 3D printing, my Dad bought a 3D printed valve for the fuel line for his car and I know 3D printing is big in jewellery as well. The applications are fully there I just haven’t realised them for myself yet, projects such as data visualisation will be better for this sort of thing as it is a great way to physically see data rather than it just being on the screen.