bluewaterthings

[bluewaterthings]

Project Proposal

The Proposed Project: the WHAT

My final project idea is to create a hamster wheel that releases food depending on how much the hamster has run on its wheel. The project is based on the idea that the hamster will therefore, earn his food and will run the correct amount in a day to receive the right amount of food.

The Rationale: the WHY

This could be used for people who want their hamster to lose weight or maintain a certain weight. It can be difficult to know how much to feed pets so a wheel that distributes the right amount of food after exercise will ensure a healthy hamster. The device will ensure the hamster is constantly fed too if you were to be away from it for a day, for example.

The Plan: the HOW

1. Research the average correct portion size for a hamster and how much on average they run on a wheel each day. (3 days)

2. Create a thorough sketch and plan for the design of my project (3-5 days)

3. Research and order the parts required for my project (1 day)

4. Create and test a prototype (3-4 days)

5. Start constructing the foundation of my device (5-7 days)

6. Ensure the technical side is completed with thorough testing (2-3 days)

7. Design the visual aspect of the device and how to make it attachable to a cage (3 days)

8. Test the device to the fullest. In the cage, with a real hamster (only when safe) (2 days)

9. Finalise the whole device (1 day)

The Risks: the PROBLEMS

1. I do not want the device to cause any harm to my/or anyones elses hamster.

2. Visually the device may not be appealing and may be heavy whilst holding a lot of food and collapse.

3. I am still not 100% certain I am skilled enough in the technical side of this assignment and therefore, my time-management will probably be lacking as I will need to experiment with trial and error often.

4. Ensuring there are no visible wires for the hamster to chew through, breaking the device and most importantly harming the hamster.

The Legacy: the OUTCOMES

I am very excited at the idea of completing this project as I feel I can create something very beneficial to me and my hamster. My hamster’s name is Jerry and he is a very hungry hamster. He likes to be picky with food and tends to make a mess around his cage when food is left in a bowl. If I can control this, it will create a cleaner environment for him and an easier cage for me to clean.

As Jerry is a dwarf-hamster it can sometimes be difficult to know what the correct amount is to feed him so I am excited to finally get some thorough research into Jerry and his habits so I can feed him the correct amount and ensure he stays healthy.

P.S.

I have attached an image and a video of Jerry to help me get more excited about my project when referring back to this research.

I’ve also linked a funny YouTube video I found to prove how successful my device will be because clearly, all hamster’s love running on their wheel!

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Hamster-powered Paper Shredder

The last project I’ve found that is hamster related is a shredder that is powered by a hamster wheel. The shredder is used to automatically get more paper into the hamster’s cage. This is a good invention because paper is a very effective housing material for hamsters. They use it in the area that they sleep mainly but it can be used throughout the whole hamster cage too. Paper is useful as it can be dug around in and creates a soft material for the hamster to sleep in.

I really like this idea as this relates back to me stating I want to create a project that is beneficial to me and my hamster. It benefits me as it is an easy way to change my hamster’s bedding regularly but also helps me shred any paper I need to dispose of. This in turn is good for the environment. This invention is beneficial to my hamster as it means his cage will be refreshed more regularly and can keep the level of paper high in his cage so there is more for him to dig about in.

However, this project has obviously already been created so I will use this project and the music box to inspire a new idea. It does seem clear that I can create something that will benefit me and my hamster so I will make that my main goal. It is also clear to me that creating a project surrounding a hamster wheel is a good place to start. If I were to sell my project to an audience, I would sell more if the project included a hamster wheel as a wheel is needed in every hamster’s cage and therefore, is in high demand. I am glad I have researched a good basis to start off.

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TASK 3 - HYBRID

Once again I collaborated with some coursemates on this task.

This task was about combing the aspects of tasks 1 and 2 together. We used Arduino to add code to the Teensy board which then meant we could control certain features in Max. We set up the Teensy board as a Midi controller just like we did with Ableton in Task 2.

I still find this aspect of this module quite difficult as it is quite fiddly in a sense and I feel it is partially memory based. I will still continue with my personal research to help me understand how this works further but for now I am happy with what we created together and I am glad that I am in a class that will help me when I feel stuck. This gives me more confidence that I will succed when completing my project in assessment 2.

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Haster-powered Music Box

For my last two research posts I have found hamster related creations! The first I will look into is exactly what I have previously talked about which is a music box powered by a hamster wheel. It was designed by Robert Wechler and was created very simply by connecting an already existing music box to a hamster wheel. The music box plays Brahm’s Lullaby and when the hamster leaves the wheel the music stops.

After realising how simple this would be to create, I am glad that I found an already existing version because it has given me confidence to experiment more with my own design. I think this project will give the hamster further reason to run on the wheel as they will be soothed by the music they feel they are creating. It is known that hamsters prefer classical music too as it relaxes them and makes them feel calm in their environment. Every hamster needs a wheel in its cage as it is one of their only forms of exercise and is a good way for a hamster to release energy in a small space.

As well as creating a calming environment it also encourages the hamster to run on the wheel more so overall this product is would be very good for the hamster’s health. I am also aware that diabetes is one of the most common health issues found in hamsters and I feel regular exercise could help prevent this.

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Marble Machine (musical instrument)

As I have now mentioned the possibility of creating a music box powered by my hamster running on a wheel, I thought it made sense to look at a music-based creation. In class we looked briefly at a music machine powered by marbles. I thought it was so fascinating in class so wanted to include it in my personal research. The machine works by a man pumping 2000 marbles through a wooden machine he created. This man also composed the music that the machine plays.

You can see in the video linked below that he created the music by spinning a wheel, pulling levers and playing the strings of a guitar. I find it very impressive that he has managed to include so many different sounding instruments with one piece of equipment and marbles. A project like this is far more complicated than one I would hope to achieve, and I’m sure my hamster couldn’t run for long enough to power an entire machine; however, this has shown me that it is possible to create very broad and extravagant things with limited materials.

It is clear from viewing this that the machine would have taken an extremely long time to build and a good knowledge of carpentry and music is probably needed. Neither of which I am particularly skilled in. This specific machine was created in 2016 and now the ‘Wintergatan’ YouTube channel has many different new and improved variations of this machine. It’s fascinating to see the evolution of this creative mind.

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TASK 2 - ARDUINO

I collaborated with a class mate for this as it took me a little while to understand myself. We used Arduino to send codes to a Teensy LC board and then connected it with Ableton. We used a light sensor to make a sound coming from Ableton completely silent and a dial to change the frequency.

I personally found this to be quite a fun concept but thought that as I struggled with the class workshop I may struggle whilst creating my own project too. I think I will have to do plently of self study time on Teensy boards and Arduino to help me better understand the how to use them before my experimentation goes horribly wrong.

[bluewaterthings]

Piano Stairs

Piano Stairs were an experiment supported by Volkswagen to create something ‘simple and fun to change people’s behaviour for the better’. I absolutely love this idea as it has such a positive message and is something that will have a long term effect on people and the planet. Recently, I have become very environmentally aware and feel that this will be amazing for people's health but also, the less energy we use with escalators and lifts the better our planet will be in the future too.

The stairs were first implemented in Sweden and every step plays a note from the piano in the correct order. Now the stairs can be found in 6 countries around the globe with two sets of stairs appearing in different parts of Australia. I’m glad that the stairs are going global and hopefully more countries implement this initiative.

Similarly to Pixel, I thought it would be fun to create a choreographed routine with stairs like this for pure fun; or to use this as inspiration to create a project that is good for the environment, people’s health and is fun! It’s amazing that such a simple idea can be beneficial in so many ways and this is what I hope to achieve after making my project too. These stairs have confirmed to me that the idea of creating something useful for me and my hamster is the direction I would like to continue in.

My initial thought is a wheel that plays music as it spins. Like a music box powered by a hamster running on the wheel. I will have to look further into this though as I’m not sure I would benefit from a music box wheel powered by a nocturnal animal…

[bluewaterthings]

Pixel : Interactive Projected Effects for Performance

Pixel is a showcase of a dance performance using projected light. The software uses a combination of different software’s including, eMotion, QLab and Vezer to create projection mapping and ensure an in sync, quality performance. This software was used to make a dance performance come to life and feel more interactive. However, with software like this, the quality is also heavily reliant on the choreography and the skill of the dancers.

I personally wanted to include this software in my research as I am a dancer myself. I felt that with knowledge in a more interactive dance performance, I would be able to create my own choreography and my own work to be proud of, and most importantly, have fun with. I love the idea of being able to produce a dance physically and technically to give the performance a unique and creative edge. I think software like this must be so enjoyable to play around with and can be used to make something feel personal to you.

I stated previously in my post on Force Sensors that I wanted to create something that would be useful to me and my hamster in our everyday lives – on the other hand – I think it’s important I touch on software and hardwares that I can have fun with and use in an experimental way. The perfect solution would be to combine the two but I can’t make my little hamster dance!! (But I wish I could haha).

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Force Sensor Resistor

Force Sensors are low-cost and easy-to-use sensors specifically designed to detect physical pressure, squeeze, and weight. They are found in many everyday items like mobile phones and portable gaming devices. The one fault I have found whilst researching this hardware is that they cannot detect the measurement of weight put onto the device, only that there has been pressure put on and how forceful the pressure was. It also seems as though the device is easy to work into an Arduino and I have found multiple useful websites already explaining how to do this if I decide to use this piece of equipment.

As I’ve spent a few weeks thinking about this project now I have a closer idea of what I would like to create in the second part of the project. I am most intrigued by creating something I can use in my everyday life that will save me from an everyday task. Therefore, a device like this seems like a very useful starter to trigger later reactions in a project. By this I mean, If I were to put pressure onto one thing, it would create a chain reaction that would set off another device eventually creating a full project. It’s also incredibly helpful hearing that this device would be very easy to use.

I’m thinking about completing my project in a way that involves my pet dwarf hamster! He is a hamster that sleeps a lot but when he is up, he is very active and energetic. I think a Force Sensor could be useful in many ways to help me signify when my hamster is up and about or needs something. This is something I will develop further when I have an actual idea put together. I am very fond of this piece of hardware.

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Tone.js

Tone.js is a javascript based coding environment for web friendly interactive sound and digital instruments. The software has been described at simple to use and great for beginners when hoping to produce music. It seems as though the software allows for heavy customisation too which will be a useful way to experiment with sounds and how they are perceived through the web. The software is also available on a smartphone and desktop which also gives the option to work on your music whenever and wherever you feel inspired, which in music making is crucial.

I love the idea of having a simple way of creating music. Music is personally something very close to me and I’ve always wanted to try producing it, so to be introduced to a software that would explain the process to me and guide me through it from a beginner’s perspective is incredibly useful. However, a lot of music producing comes from personal inspiration and by this being an online coding software, I don’t suspect that this software will be particularly inspiring or be a software that is used in the long run. It is likely a software to get you started and shortly after you’d switch onto a more well-known music software.

Tone.js seems like a useful software to be able to use. If I were to base my idea off music then I would definitely gravitate towards using this and may even be able to develop my own producing skills whilst completing work! Currently, I have not had any ideas surrounding music, however, I feel it is important to have a good software to fall back on if other ideas don’t work out as planned.

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Task 1 - MAX

For Task 1, I used the concept we learnt during our workshop classes with Max to create a short tune. The 7 note tune I created was the chorus melody to ‘The Duck Song’. (Hopefully you recognise it!) I followed the tutorial in our workshop class and then did further research into midi numbers to ensure my melody had the correct notes used. I found a table that told me which frequency number played which note and then put this into my max project.

In the future I want to experiment with putting a timer on the button so that I don’t have to press the button when I want the note to play but so that it plays at the correct tempo.

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Assemblr

Assemblr is an augmented reality app that you can use to create your own projects. It is designed to create ideas for things that don't exist yet and bring them to life to show others. Assemblr helps you visualise and create your projects in 3D to share with others or to help you progress with your work. This can be done through an app on your phone or through your computer which is very useful as you can work on / experiment with your ideas on the go!

I like the idea of this software as it seems like a very easy and efficient way to trial and error your project before actually creating it in real life. This will save lots of time and money as you are able to visualise a project clearly and accurately throughout the development stages. There are also many tutorials on YouTube linked to this software which will be incredibly useful throughout the project, potentially, if I decide to use this software.

I chose to research a little bit about this software because I thought it would help me create a seamless design that I can visualise before I start creating. I personally work best through visual stimulation and feel that a software like this will help me feel more involved in the product I create and can prove to me the progress I am making with my idea. This will help me feel encouraged by the work I am doing.

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Introduction

In this portfolio I’m going to report on a wide range and variety of creative digital audiovisual projects, platforms and processes. Including; existing hardware and software, and framework hardware and software. I will analyse and evaluate these to help generate the understanding and required literacy to support the creation of a successful project proposal; and eventually, a successful completed project.

I will lay out this portfolio in the style of blogs on Tumblr, with each blog containing research on different topics. These blog posts might include; video and picture examples, a description and my opinion on what it is I have decided to research. I will conclude each blog post with how I feel this will influence my future project. The majority of my research will be done from online sources as this will improve my chances of finding video examples and well accredited creators.

Currently, I have the most experience in editing and hope that I can find a project that will enhance and improve my skills in this area, or even just some research that will broaden my knowledge and capabilities. I choose to improve what I already know (in this case editing) instead of learning something new as I prefer to be good at a skill that I also enjoy, rather than knowing small amounts in a wide range of topics and losing my chance at specialising. To further this, I will keep my mind open to exploring a project idea that I can incorporate into my day to day life to create more motivation behind my work as I will be enjoying and benefiting from the final product.