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Extra Notes

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Presentation Day

Today I got to present to the whole class. I pitched my idea of the transmedia storytelling through the movie of Pulp Fiction. I looked at five main screens each detailing information that I had recorded researched and developed. 

The first thing that I looked at was covid-19 which is the biggest problem the world is facing right now at has huge implications both positive and negative. It is really good to talk about these factors because it helps understand why my prototype would be addressing certain problems.

The second screen I looked at Pulp Fiction as a movie study as a movie case study I looked at theory and concepts like American nihilism and Redemption. I also looked at structure to look at the the flow of the storyline and how the characters appear within the movie. I also looked at the media how the movie has moved since it's release in cinemas. 

In the last two screens were related heavily due to the prototype user testing and observations. In the first screen I looked at the prototype issues the transmedia application, methodology engagement and the user testing and observations. I recorded my interviews and they also expressed interest on observations feedback and arguments.

I concluded my presentation with a trajectory that should direct my research. It is important because it enables me to continue my research into the development of the prototype. So I looked at mobile game experience, some new methodologies that may help me research and plan information. Target audience people for discovering who I should specifically target for the use of the prototype. A test of my prototype with some existing app researched will enable  a better idea around goal tracking, what features should be set. And finally, looking at a different form of Philosophy, extending beyond nihilism and into another forms of belief that may be represented with him Pulp Fiction the movie.

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A refined Prototype, Observations and Arguments

Although it was not needed. I recorded interviews with people to test the prototype. We didn’t need to interview people, but we did learn the procedure during class. So I thought that it would be appropriate to test. Here is the refined prototype that I made and tested with people. It is a better version of the low-fidelity cardboard prototype I was using prior as a development stage process. Looking at my new prototype I changed the entire aesthetic and user-interface layout for people to understand what is going on in the screens. The concept is still the same but now the app has different pathways to go through as the user interacts with certain features like recording progress. The app will give you feedback that relates to what you record so if you do a good job of recording and keeping up with set goals and tasks then it will reward you but if it doesn't show a good score on on your report then you will get punished or or mean things will be sad to provoke you.

Written below are the observations and feedback that I got from the people that I interviewed with my prototype. It is really clear to see that the prototype needed improvement but for now it is what it is and it's great to take on that feedback to further develop the prototype in a later stage. This is not the end of my prototype but I will continue to develop with more user feedback and other testing.

Observations, Feedback and Arguments > All users experienced difficulty to some degree using the prototype because buttons would not allow indicative responses. > The concept was well received to have the personal response from the characters within the movie > Readability and understanding of screens was evident across all screen, good level of communication. > All feedback points to making new high-fidelity prototypes by prototype refinement and UI design adjustments. > Most argued that you could fit the aesthetic and sound audio to fit the app. More suitable for an immersive experience.

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The Problem

To reiterate the design function, we first need to understand why we need to make a prototype. Otherwise it’s meaningless to make a prototype and the whole understanding of the paper is irrelevant. 

COVID-19 is the biggest problem in our modern time. There are many issues and benefits that have been a consequence of this phenomenon. Here is a list on most of the defining qualities

Social Implications Negatives Mental Health decline in those who are vulnerable. Isolation is bad and especially challenging for those who live alone. Domestic Incidents may arise due to having to much exposure to other family members, with kids it is hard to keep them entertained or busy. Positives Time to self can be great for reflection and a time to do stuff that benefits your interests. Projects are more so associated with older individuals. Dad and Mum might want to paint rooms of the house or do a yearly exterior clean of the house. From personal experience working at Bunnings, the paint desk line was incredibly long, an observation and assumption that most people were going to paint during lockdown.   Family / Friend Bubbles are great because you can spend more time with those you don’t see very often. 

Environment Negatives Controlled public spaces are harder to manage as businesses need to keep their customers safe by practicing social distancing and also following regulations like the amount of people that can be in one store. etc Agriculture demand is on the surge due to an influx of grocery shopping. It is harder to export and import edible goods with regulations.  Positives Less water activity has shown an incredible recovery of streams, water ways and beaches. Water clarity has improved and encouraged wildlife to come into these areas.  Reduced air pollution as a result of less industrial working and traffic control.  Animal wildlife takeover of urban landscapes. Areas where human activity has seen a major scale back has attracted animals and wildlife.

Events Negatives Stress on student study. Student exams and papers have had to be modified or outright cancelled as a result of the lockdown set backs. Entertainment Industry is losing a lot of value where scheduled dates were initially meant to take place, thus alternative measures and planning to reduce the loss may help recover and adapt to the convenience of others  Dates pushed back on personal, family or work events. At first it might be good but as everything is pushed back, the space in-between events and dates are closer together which may add strain to managing time.  Positives Online presence has increased. The entertainment industry has developed platforms and will continue to release information/ marketing material around these products. More time to prepare for events. It allows to re-think how people may organise for certain events, like the use of ppe and so on.

Global / Travel Negatives Can not travel overseas unless you have a valid reason. You will not be able to get medical insurance cover for COVID-19 if you do happen to get it. Only leave the country if you know that you are not coming back. Others have it worse. Take the American response to the virus, the risk of getting covid is high and impractical. Gateway for sick travelers to get into the country. People are inconsiderate and will break isolation for the sake of their own benefit. Positives Travel the country and enjoy it. There are no tourists on our roads currently and it is the perfect opportunity to go to places and do things that most tourist would do. Money saved or spent elsewhere. If you are not going overseas, maybe that money can go towards buying a new car, or a new house, or a hobby. Either way, it has caused people to spend money or save it toward other needs and wants.

Economy Negatives Recession in the economical ecosystem has laid people off work, it has shut businesses down and have made it harder for people to lead normal lives. Job Loss has occurred on places that are not as dependent on valuable or desired products during lockdown. Raised Taxes means that everyone pays. Especially in a Labour led government, this is usually their response to paying off the money that is or was spent. This may hurt later as thing may start to inflate in price. Positives Wage Subsidies have been a great solution for smaller businesses to provide an income for those working in the middle class.  Food industry growth has been great for those who produce some form of cash crop. The higher demand has consequently raised the prices of import and export goods which is a greate thing for our economy. Online entertainment industry growth has been really beneficial for people living all over the country, entertainment can also be seen in gaming. gaming has had a considerable increase in play over the lockdown periods.

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Methodology and Prototyping

Writing for the Exegesis.

CHAPTER 3: METHODS AND DATA COLLECTION

WHICH METHODS + WHY

In this research I use two main structured methodologies. I use qualitative methods such as the MDA framework and User Centered Design (UCD). The MDA framework stands for Mechanics, Dynamics, and Aesthetics, this is handy when constructing or deconstructing game design, this method will help prototyping phase within the UCD methodology. The UCD method is a system that utilizes prototyping, interviews, and literature reviews. It is a combination of methods in a sequence that can help create a fully functional prototype. Without UCD we cannot merge user experience and a functioning prototype which is crucial as the final multimedia prototype need to address a user centred problem.

PROTOCOL

To summarize findings and show how the final prototype works. I use my methods in a particular order, staring with UCD, I would be able to first understand the users through Interviews and News articles to empathize and understand what the problem is. Then by defining what is wrong and what needs to be solved will set the parameters and expectations of the prototype. The creative process follows by allowing me to ideate and draft potential solutions that could help solve the problem reflecting at the Empathize and Defining stage prior. After I have an idea about what I want the prototype to do, I will start prototyping through the MDA Framework, mock prototypes and Create and final digital prototype concept. The final stage of this process is testing. This comes down to testing potential users with a prototype that addresses the problem I began with.

User Centered Design Method and Documentation of each process.

Empathize

Define

Ideate

Prototype + MDA Framework

Test

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Extra Notes

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The Research and the Researcher

This is content to the exegesis, all of the information is explicitly personal so I do not need to research but base my experiences to the relevancy of this paper and my workings.

CHAPTER 1: POSITIONING THE RESEARCH AND THE RESEARCHERS

WHO ARE YOU

I am a fascinated student of design. I believe the principles and pillars of design are helpful to discovering new ways to make research and design as efficient and as optimal as possible. I enjoy learning how the world around us sets the parameters for what is physically and mentally achievable in a designable sense.

WHY ARE YOU THE PERSON CONDUCTING THIS RESEARCH

I am conducting this research because COVID-19 has been the most influential topic to impact my life as it has been for many others worldwide. I feel obliged to research this topic as it is socially relevant and an on-going impact for people across the world.

WHAT KIND OF SITUATIONS IN YOUR LIFE CONTRIBUTE TO WRITE THIS EXEGESIS

In my personal experiences I have delt with two waves of the virus here in New Zealand. The first lockdown put us in level 3&4 lockdown. This was basically a 4-week break. Being a student at AUT, University was up in the air and no one knew what to do or what was going to happen. The second lockdown put took Aucklanders from level 1 to level 3 overnight for another 2 weeks. Annoyed that University was affected again, it felt like I was paying to sit an online college degree which is not ideal. Studying this year has affected me mentally and physically, it has taught me to organize myself better and it has made me feel terrible, anxious, stressful, angry, and sad. I want to design something that can transform this experience for myself and others who have it worse than I did.

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Review of Contextual Knowledge

A lot of progress went on this evening as I learnt more about the philosophy of pulp fiction and key elements that make up the movie. This is yet to be refined, but it is still a good mind dump of information that was found. 

http://henryjenkins.org/blog/2007/03/transmedia_storytelling_101.html

Above is the understanding of varying definitions of transmedia storytelling. By understanding the terms, I should be able to reflect and show an understanding of how this can be applied to Pulp Fiction and the prototypes I end up making.

https://www.empireonline.com/movies/reviews/pulp-fiction-review/

Above is a review of pulp fiction that I read. The review goes into detail as to what the structure, characters and interaction of story and cinema techniques.

https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2019/dec/18/sunny-nihilism-since-discovering-im-worthless-my-life-has-felt-precious

Above is an article I read on Nihilism. I read this because it has a strong relationship to the themes and concept portrayed in Pulp Fiction. By understanding more about this Philosophy, I can understand the social relevance and meaning of the term. It’s is interesting that we never really acknowledge it but it exists and can plague us unknowingly. This can be critical to understanding users when it comes to working with a potential prototype that can help users through a global pandemic.

Review of Contextual Knowledge - Development for the Exegesis

PHILOSOPHY AND SOCIOLOGY THEORY

Pulp Fiction includes mature themes of violence, drug usage, and sex. The film uses these themes as tangible material that can be used to exhibit the main concept of the film that is redemption. Watching the film for the first time requires your complete attention as the film has a non-linear portrayal of 3 stories and a small story. Quentin Tarantino’s representation of redemption in his some of his characters embrace the escape from a nihilistic lifestyle. The philosophy of nihilism states that existence or values are meaningless and relentless negativity or cynicism creates an absence of values and beliefs. The characters Jules and Butch portrayed by Samuel L. Jackson and Bruce Willis are instilled with a discovery of purpose to break free from nihilistic American culture. https://www.highonfilms.com/pulp-fiction-1994-explained/#:~:text=However%2C%20Pulp%20Fiction%20isn't,of%20the%20nihilistic%20American%20culture. These characters show a distinct change in character through discovery of morals and beliefs. Jules takes the path of redemption by finishing his last job for his boss Marcellus after a near death experience that almost insured his death. Butch finds himself on the path of redemption by freeing Marcellus from being raped. Butch decided not to escape their capture, even though he went against his deal that he made with Marcellus earlier in the story. This move by butch would free him of any association with Marcellus and morally redeem Butch for doing the right thing. Conveying redemption displays hope and a second chance to escape a lifestyle before becoming consumed by criminal actions.

The philosophy of nihilism is important in this film because it can relate to our current position during the global COVID-19 pandemic. The negative implications of this pandemic can help us relate to Jules and Butch as they are stuck in a meaningless and negative lifestyle. By developing an app that redeems users’ actions based on lifestyle choices, we can find redemption and meaningful positivity in lockdown or social isolation.

DESIGN DEFINITION

By defining design, I can take the literature review of pulp fiction and explain how it will affect the design choices I make for a transmedia prototype. The design I will be conducting will heavily focus on UX design and partial features of UI design. By understanding UX (User Experience), I will be able to understand how users engage, react, and learn through methodology techniques. The UX will provide a foundation for UI (User Interface) qualities that can enable users to fully utilize a digital prototype for the purpose it was created for.

TRANSMEDIA DEFINITION

In mentioning a transmedia prototype, a definition from Henry Jenkins explains ‘transmedia stories are based not on individual characters or specific plots but rather complex fictional worlds which can sustain multiple interrelated characters and their stories’. http://henryjenkins.org/blog/2007/03/transmedia_storytelling_101.html

By incorporating this into the design we can look to world building design. ‘This process of world-building encourages an encyclopedic impulse in both readers and writers. We are drawn to master what can be known about a world which always expands beyond our grasp.’ This can help to situate an environment on a digital platform for users to explore and take from the experience.

KEY CONCEPTS OF YOUR STORY TELLING

I believe that there are two unique way to address story telling well. That is to immerse the user in a story that they become apart of in the world around them and the other way to story tell is by having the user make their own story with the resources provided to create a playful and engaging experience. I personally believe that creating your own story is more personal and successful as meaningful interactions are dependant on the actions of the user. In relation to pulp fiction, the user may choose to follow a path of redemption or go against it in a book or mini game. Or maybe users can use their current environment and mindset to make decisions that can utilize redemption through the use of an app to record and reflect on experiences to pass time during lockdown.  

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Presentation Notes and Research on Pulp fiction

Before the formative presentation and  hand-in, I recorded notes and information regarding the content that was relevant to a presentation. This stemmed from a guideline that we could follow to help us showcase the content relevant to what it is that we were researching.  

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Introduction in the works

The structure to the introduction can be looked at like this

1 paragraph talking about 2020 (Covid) – Present the problem​ 1 paragraph talking about your decision to develop an app in this context​ 1 paragraph explaining the movie choice​

This is fairly easy to follow and talk about. I want to be critical in my explanation and credit sources where due. By doing so, it gives meaning to the entire Exegesis. It also gives enough context to understand how linking will come across each segment so that it is clear. This is what I wrote. 

The greatest challenge in 2020 is currently handling the response to the COVID-19 Virus. Since January, the spread of the virus has travelled worldwide and infected 30.3 Million people and killed 950,000. https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/ This virus has no cure and is going to get worse before it gets better with the distribution of a vaccine. As a result of the seriousness, the New Zealand Government has had to respond with a national emergency plan to handle the virus. This effectively put people in lockdown at home for 4 weeks. What can happen in those 4 weeks? What changes? What can pro-longed periods of social distancing and social isolation do to wellbeing? The results are a mixed bag and depend heavily on the context of your circumstance, position in society and age demographic. Some adults have lost their jobs and will want to spend more time with family. Student’s of all ages have had to transition to online learning, classes have been rescheduled, deadlines and traditional events postponed, exams modified, sports cancelled. For those who are retired or live in manged care, they have had total isolation from the outside world. It is sad to acknowledge that old people on their death bed cannot see their family even if they do not have COVID-19. There are a lot of negative impacts, more than good. For some people like myself, I am very optimistic and will find a way to busy myself to be progressive and practical with my time. This is the best response to the outbreak, managing your responsibilities and wellbeing. So, I decided to develop an app that can help manage wellbeing and responsibilities while living in lockdown. I developed this app by analysing and using specific components of a film to develop a product that shares a meaningful relationship with the user. The methodologies I used the  MDA Framework and User Centered Research, support the research and ideation of my prototype. The film I studied was Pulp Fiction. I studied this film because I love it, there are many references to the film in our culture and across other media platforms like memes and merchandise. Looking deeper into a structured analysis of the film, I uncover what make the film so enjoyable and how I can utilize some of these aspects to make something in the form of an app prototype.

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Writing the Abstract

Today I wrote the Abstract of the Exegesis. I didn’t want to do too much but enough bite sized chunks as I progress through the break. I made a start on it using a structure that would help me write it out. 

The plan seemed to have worked with I needed to discuss without waffling like I am doing now. I guess the annoying thing abour writing an abstract is that you need to speak as though it’s finished, a paragraph summary of the documents work you have delivered. You can still write it out first to lay the foundation of your work to reflect on, but I need to be very particular and exact when refereing back and forth as I could write things in the Exegesis that aren’t referenced in the Abstract or vice versa the other way around.

This is what I wrote following the structure. This is subject to change through feedback. For me, this is a start and a gradual journey to getting this exegesis done.

The objective of the exegesis is to showcase the creativity and simplicity of design through multi-media. The subject to study is a selected film that we can research and borrow ideas from to generate new ones. The development will take the final form of a new media that should be consumed as a solution to a problem caused by the COVID-19 Virus. I am interested in the problems people have faced during this global pandemic because it has had a major effect over our social interaction, mental wellbeing, habits, and health. By addressing these problems with a prototype, users may be able to have control and get through the stresses of isolation. Research methods will aid in breaking media components down so specific features can be used to create a prototype. I use the MDA Framework to break down game design and User Centered Design to understand users, tasks, and environments. The MDA framework methodology is used to show what games are effective in helping people during social isolation, what key game dynamics and mechanics are needed in order to captivate interaction and engaging experiences, as well as the aesthetics that appropriately accommodate living environments for a meaningful and personal experience. The methodology for User Centered Design empathizes with users to define and ideate specifications for a prototype to test. By empathizing with users through interviews, the results are expanded upon re-occurring problems users face in isolation. This leads to defining parameters and design function that focus on bringing function to the user’s environment before ideation can occur to model and address user problems with mock-ups before a final prototype design. The results of this prototype show and address the problems of isolation and how the design has addressed this. It shows what the users can gain and how it effects your lockdown experience and what the design would prove for further implications. The implications of this research used in the prototype tries to achieve a balance in theory, design, and lifestyle using the prototype. Researching more about our own experiences would be helpful and insightful to creating more prototypes or adding modifications for those facing similar issues.  

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Le Exegesis de Pulp Fiction

Greetings! Welcome to Semester 2 Design research!  As much as I love design, I also have a love-hate relationship with writing. This paper always brings me pain, not because I’m bad, I don’t think I’m bad, but because I’ve never done so much work in my life to get nowhere. I wish I was better at writing, but that comes down to how much I read, what I read and how committed I am to becoming coherent. 

Aside from my opening tantrum, it’s clear that I need to do well in this paper because I set my expectations high and it would make me feel good about myself if I got more than just a C. I will push myself this semester to better what I got last year. Fingers crossed the hard-work pays off!  

Now onto the Major assignment. For design research we need to provide

A Presentation Pitch. (25%) Research and Documentation through Tumblr. (25%) Exegesis 1500-2000 word document. (50%)

I’m happy that this paper is divided up into different contextual conventions of learning through documentation. In a way it can balance things out as I have a love of presentations and formally presenting, as well as writing in a blog like this. You can write initially as you would speak, so long as you provide the critical information necessary as proof of work. 

I want to begin this segment on what the brief is designed to cover. The broader context is about Multi-media. How an idea or concept transforms into other forms of representing media. This in-turn generates a higher consumption of this media in a array of interactive and fun ways.

We start this class by pre-selecting a Movie that would resonate throughout the project. The Movie I chose was Pulp Fiction, directed by Quentin Tarantino. I selected this movie because it is one of my favorite movies and is heavily drenched in pop culture. Parts of the movie are referenced memes and products that are still relevant in today's day and age. Yes, even 26 years after release, it is a cult film for many generations to watch and for fans to treasure. 

Looking into the depth of the movie. Our paper leader in class got us to think and write a Movie list. This was to give us an opportunity for comparison. We looked at 3 different movies we could study. Each movie from knowledge required us to note the pros and cons about studying that particular movie. I looked at Pulp Fiction, Toy Story 2 and the TV show Breaking Bad. I had already mentioned why I picked it. But this was just part of the learning and brainstorm process. The next paper was a SWOT analysis. Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats. The analysis is a parameter check to see if the movie of choice will be suitable for the brief.

This paper also includes the Transmedia Map that visually depicts all the different kinds of media influenced by Pulp Fiction. In other words, it’s technically a for of merchandise. The GIF image below shows a famous movie parody of Star Wars called Spaceballs. This scene in the movie just goes to show the length of merchandise a movie can pump out. It’s very important to understand the reasons and implications as too why merchandise follows a movie and how that can effect culture and social norms. 

The last page we covered was about potential users. On this paper, we had to detail who our audience is that would consume Pulp Fiction and how a product of the movie could re-direct or re-target this group of people again. Or maybe a different group of people can be targeted with a prototype that is not directly related to pulp fiction, but borrows certain traits the movie can exhibit after analysis. 

Without any hesitation, my next move was to see Pulp Fiction again. This is not only fun, but it is a refresher to make the most of the analysis going forward. I spend my Friday night watching the movie with my family. We discussed different parts in the movie so those who haven’t seen it get a better understanding of it because after all, Pulp Fiction is also well known for being a well designed and written non-linear story telling movie.