Experience Manifesto

Interactive Fogscreen

If you've been to our Lab, you've seen the video of the fogscreen that we show. Here's the next generation fogscreen, that shows how interactivity can be added.

New Laser Technology

This one of the technologies that we got to experience first-hand and it was very impressive! What they've been able to do is create a laser the projects into space. So there's no screen here, just air. It's very loud in real life, like standing next to a large bug zapper, but the effect is certainly cool!

Audio Ballerinas

While this may just look strange to you, there will be a lot happening in the world of fashion and technology. This is from SIGGRAPH 2006.

SIGGRAPH 2005

Here's a quick overview of some of the technologies we saw last year, at SIGGRAPH 2005.

SIGGRAPH 2006 Audience Interactive Experience

These picture just won't do justice to the audience interactive experience that we do every year before the Electronic Theatre. Using sticks with a red or greem side, the audience of 5000+ all get to play games together. This years experience was one of the most fun we've had in a few years and really shows the importance of group play.

The Electronic Theatre showcases the best animation from around the world, both commercial and student. This year was a little livelier then some that I've seen and the audience really seemed to enjoy them all.

This year, the crowd favorites seemed to be more commercial then in previous years. Ads by Guinness and Foster's got the biggest reactions from the audience and showed that as is usually the case, people like fun, good stories.

I have a copy of the full show reel. If you'd like to arrange a viewing, let me know.

UPDATE: A number of blogs covered this event as well and they have much better pictures then me! There's also a video posted at youtube.

Link: YouTube - The World's Largest Etch-A-Sketch : Siggraph 2006.

Link: World's largest Etch A Sketch unveiled - Engadget.

Link: gizmag Article: World's Record Etch A Sketch unveiled at SIGGRAPH 2006 .

SIGGRAPH First Impressions

Trying to do this on the fly, so my apologies in advance for misspellings and typos! Just arrived at SIGGRAPH and, well, you can't help but notice that it's just as frickin' hot here as it's been in NYC. Holy smokers it's hot! It wasn't this bad the year SIGGRAPH was in New Orleans in August!

But the SIGGRAPH seems hot too! Looks like they've got a good crowd here, despite the fact that it's not on the west coast. The convention center here in Boston is laid out well and is easy to get around. SIGGRAPH looks good here and they've got lots of space to host their various areas.

The show floor looked like it had a good crowd and several of the exhibitors said that as well. One of the nice thing about the main exhibit area is the mix of large companies and small, each bringing a great deal to this graphics gathering.

Of course, our favorite place is the Emerging Technology area, where we get to see things that are not yet products. This very experimental area shows us what options might be available to us in the future. And there were some great things there! We'll be posting photos and video in the coming weeks that will show the range of technologies here. Some teasers:

3D display using laser plasma. I'll explain this in more detail later, but it basically allows you to focus a lser light in the air to create floating images. Way cool stuff that you need to see to believe!

Virtual Humanoid. This will be the Madame Tussaud's of the future. A head-mounted display and green screen robotic figure allow you to see, hear and touch the animated figure.

Freqtric Drums turns the audience into drums so the perfromer can use the audience as their instrument. This was a hoot to watch and I can certainly see some of our clients using it in their experiences.

Tablescapes Plus will be tough to explain without seeing it, but it uses objects placed on a tabletopas the display and allows them to interact together.

Multi-touch Interaction Wall. This one was a big hit on youtube and it looks even better in person. And one nice element of this experience was the social aspect of the interactivity. People seem to like to experience this one together.

So that's a quick review from my first walk through. Noah's joining me tomorrow, so I'll have him taking pictures and shooting video for us. We'll also add more detailed descriptions and links where possible.

SIGGRAPH 2006

As we get ready for SIGGRAPH 2006, I thought that I would put some of the recap that Noah Keating, our Lab associate (currently getting his Master of Fine Arts in Interactive Media at USC) wrote about last year's conference. Later this month, he's going to start previewing some of the experiences that we'll be having at SIGGRAPH '06.

Here at Brand Experience Lab, we’re always excited when Siggraph rolls around, most specifically because of the emerging technologies exhibition. It’s our chance each year to take stock of the most cutting-edge tech developments from research labs and institutions the world over, and it gets our brains working overtime on how to best utilize these in crafting compelling and unique brand stories. Some of these technologies might be world changing, some might be merely “interesting,” but it’s up to us to figure out which and why. Here I will take stock of some of our favorites from this year’s emerging technologies exhibition.

Color-Enhanced Emotion: This is a system that takes video input of someone’s face, uses an algorithm to detect the emotion that the person is expressing, and processes the video to better display that particular emotion on the subject’s face. Imagine walking through the candy bar aisle and seeing a picture of your own face expressing the satisfaction that a snicker’s bar might bring to you. You might consider the calorie hit a little more worth it at that point!

Straw-like User Interface: This ingenious device simulates the feeling of sucking various materials through a straw with the use of pressure differentials and vibrations. A user will place his or her mouth on the disposable straw applicator, choose a material to suck (beer, asparagus, beans, etc...) and pull on the straw until a sound, vibration and pressure release signify that the item has been pulled through. It really works! And quite well, at that – I could almost taste the asparagus as it popped through, or feel the beer suds in my mouth. This is a wonderful technology, and could definitely be used for the creation of some “sweet” multi-sensory experiences that haven’t yet been engaged.

Galvanic Vestibular Stimulation aka Remote Control Human: I don’t necessarily think this device should be used by anybody, let alone retail marketers, but it is very interesting nonetheless. Apparently by applying small amounts of current to the bone of the inner ear, the sense of balance can be controlled and manipulated, causing people to lean in certain directions without consciously noticing or deciding to do so. It’s a little disconcerting, slightly nauseating and not altogether pleasant, but as an experiment it’s extremely fascinating.

The Interactive Fog Screen: This is a fantastic invention – a walkthrough touchscreen! A thick bank of fog presents itself as a projection surface, but the addition of ultrasonic and finger tracking open up many interaction possibilities, like drawing, playing games and music, or exploring products. It seems pretty robust, and especially well suited to the retail environment, so we hope to be working with this technology as soon as we can get our hands on it!

Wired News: Fancy Meets Function on Runway

The Cyber Fashion Show is always one of the most interesting, strange, occassionally bizarre parts of SIGGRAPH. From items that are already products, like Oakley's Thump mp3 glasses, to experimental clothing, to wearables, there's pretty broad range of items on display. One thing that always worries me -- it sure seems like you need to be in good shape in the future! Or maybe PVC clothing will cover the fat better.

There are additional links below and I'll get more posted in the coming days. See something if interest? Don't hesitate to give us a call to explore anything listed on the SIGGRAPH posts in more detail!

One of the coolest things at the show was an outfit that allowed you to send a "hug" to the wearer via a cell phone. There were a number of items at the show that let users interact with one another via cell phone, touch, proximity, etc. And, now that my daughter is getting ready to start school in a few months, I'm looking more and more at wearable GPS technologies! At 4 1/2, I'm not really worried about where she might be going, but with all of the bad news out there, I'm beginning to think this kind of technology of greater interest. One piece shown was Dog@watch Kids-wear helps kids express their needs and feelings to their parents, allowing them to discover the world safely. Using Dog@watch, a kid can interactively express and share feelings such as 'sad', 'happy', 'sleepy', 'hungry', 'sorry', 'have a question', and 'want to talk'. Combined with GPS data and sensor alarm functions embedded in the belt of the watch, Dog@watch can be used to monitor and ensure the security of a child.

The prototype Plexiglass shoes in the Reverie Engines collection include Electric Cinderella (designed for a woman who wants to intimidate intimadators) and The Beauty & the Beast (designed for an emotive woman who no longer wants to be a victim). With a single use stun gun embedded in the toe of one, and an audible alarm system activated by stamping the feet embedded in the other, these 'enchanted wearables' call up the woman's desire for empowerment and control over situations in her life.

I mean, what can you say about a pair of shoes designed with a stun gun in them? Last year, they showed a jacket that would send 10,000 volts when activated, so maybe this is part of some larger trend in clothing?

Now, this was something that I really need! Developed at the MIT Media Lab and designed to help you keep track of your belongings. Handbags that warn you if you're about to leave the house without your wallet or if you'll need an umbrella for the day, and scarves that yell at their fellow handbag if they're about to be left behind on the subway, are all made possible by building with these fabric-based Lego-like blocks. Each of many modular, specialized, functional units of the Accessorizing with Networks project can be added in or taken away from the accessories as needed. For example, when running quick errands in the morning you might not include either of the modules that make your purse light up when it's opened in the dark or when your cell phone rings, but you can add those back when you might need them at night.

The SMARTlab Centre, Central St. Martins College of Art & Design. SafetyNET/SMARTlab with BBC/UCD presents SMARTgloves & SafetyCorset (undercoverwire) by Bodkin Designs, with accessories by international fashion designers Fay Torez Yap and Daria Dorosh. SafetyWEAR is designed for two purposes: to promote the project's work with a smart, fashionable line that women of all ages, sizes and backgrounds can comfortably wear; and to provide 'undercoverwire' wearable technology tools and triggers to connect to the SafetyNET online, without wearers being noticeable or audible while making their request for help. SafetyNET is a global cyber cafe project that uses the power of new technologies to help stop violence against women and children, quietly linking them to information about domestic violence through online access. In the "safe spaces" of moderated chat rooms, participants communicate with domestic violence specialists, volunteer attorneys, survivors of abuse, and mentors. The project is operating in North America, North Africa and throughout Europe. First phase installations are underway in Asia and Latin America. (presentation supported by Microsoft).

I spent a great deal of time with the team from Simon Frasier University and they are doing some cool work in wearables. Their exhale: breath between bodies is a new collection of body area networked garments. Building on last year's collection of responsive skirts with muscle sensors embedded in garter belts, this year they feature sensuous networked skirts and sleeves linked with elastic breast-bands that listen to the wearer's breath. Made of natural silk & organza fibers in earthy and vibrant tones, creates a shared public space of breath, revealing sensation, sound and light, exploring the notion of intimacy accessed through physiological data. is also being featured in the Siggraph 2005 Emerging Technologies exhibition, as an installation that utilizes the collective breath of participants to actuate small fans and vibrators embedded with the linings of evocative skirts. If viewers negotiate a shared group breath, the skirts glow with light that palpates in rhythm with it.

Here's a brief excerpt from Wired's coverage of the program:

In the future, we'll text-message hugs to each other's shirts, our coat buttons will house cameras, and our underwear biosensors will phone home when we're in trouble.

Some of us will go topless, adorned only with computer-extruded brooches adhered directly to skin.

That's what's in store if the runway fashions during the fourth annual Siggraph Cyber Fashion Show ever see the light of day.

This week's runway show brought together 35 exhibitors from 10 countries to display wearable computers, computer-generated jewelry and clothing designs festooned with electronics.

The event had one thing in common with typical haute couture shows -- most of the outlandish prototypes on the backs of underfed models here won't end up in your closet anytime soon.

But much was unique about this event: the exhibitor list combined familiar fashion brands like Oakley and Fossil with tech names like Sony, Charmed Technology and the MIT Media Laboratory.

The event's latex-clad emcee and founder, Isa Gordon, referred to herself as the "cyborg host" and read her lines from a head-mounted teleprompt running a Microsoft operating system. The device, which rested over one eye like a pirate patch, crashed several times during the show, then died mid-show when batteries ran out, requiring a return to paper scripts.

Models had names like Sara Tonin, Venus Prototype and Stardust Angel.

A wide array of looks were on display, from a Burning Manesque electro-luminescent wire hodgepodge, to remixed Victorian, to what can only be described as "extreme android makeover," complete with platform Goth boots and long, metallic hair tendrils.

Link: Wired News: Fancy Meets Function on Runway.

Link: SIGGRAPH :: CyberFashion 0100.

Link: The Siggraph Cyber Fashion fiesta - Engadget - www.engadget.com.

Link: NPR : Cyberfashion: Technology You Can Wear.

Link: Siggraph CyberFashion Show 2004. Lots of pictures from the 2004 Cyberfashion show.

Reports from the Field: SIGGRAPH 2005 -- Virtual Brownies

It took me a few times to actually see what was happening with this experience. It initially looked like a standard augmented reality experience when I realized that the virtual characters were actually moving the real objects. It was really wild to see! I think that I have some video of the Kobitos as well and I'll try to add it later this week.

Virtual creatures called "Kobito" interact with real objects and real people. Kobitos can be good playmates, because they are invisible sometimes and visible at other times. When they are invisible, and they move something in the real world, they generate a sense of wonder. Interaction with such a creature could be a new type of entertainment. Beyond entertainment, this technology could be very useful in daily life. Kobitos are intermediate between physical agents and imaginary agents, so they could act as agents between human beings and machines.

Imaginary agents that live in computers can do many things automatically, but they exist only in digital machines. You have to turn on the computer and view the display. On the other hand, robots (physical agents) always exist. So you can ask them to do something whenever you want. But, they exist even when you don’t want, the same as a real partner.

Kobitos are a new type agent. Usually, Kobitos don’t bother you. Whenever you want to see them, you can see them through the Kobito window. The most important thing is that Kobitos work even when they are invisible.

Reports from the Field: SIGGRAPH 2005 -- Shaking the World

This was one of the most interesting experiences at the show and, sadly, I was unable to actually try it out! (Got there a little too late.) So, they attach these electrodes to your head and stimualte your vestibular system. There's a much more technical description below, but basically, they can play with your balance by using electrical currents and boy was it freaky to watch! They could make you lean left or right or sort of dance to a rhythm!

Here's a brief description from their official postings:

We developed a novel sensation interface device using galvanic vestibular stimulation (GVS). GVS alters your balance. Our device can induce vection (virtual sense of acceleration) synchronized with optic flow or musical rhythms. The device can also induce lateral walking towards the anode while human walking.

In galvanic vestibular stimulation (GVS), the vestibular system is stimulated by a weak current through an electrode placed on the mastoid behind ear. The vestibular system is sensitive to GVS intensity changes and responds by altering the magnitude of the response accordingly. GVS moves your balance toward the anode. This stimulation is has been used as the clinically functional test of vestibular. In this project, we apply GVS as a novel interface for virtual sense of acceleration. GVS can not only induce vection (virtual sense of acceleration) without an expensive mechanical motion platform. It can also make walkers deviate from the normal intended straight-line path. With our device, radio-controlled walking, automatic collision avoidance, and GPS walking navigation are possible. Moreover, the system is particularly useful for interpersonal kinematical sense sharing as an amusement by synchronizing the stimulation to the action. Movies will move you synchronized to the camera action. You and I can move each other with head action. Especially, something we call Rhythm Synchronized Amusement by GVS provides novel and fantastic experiences beyond other conventional media. A slow tempo swings your body. As the tempo of music becomes faster, you will feel as if your visual field and body are shaking synchronously with the rhythm. Let’s shake together at our booth!

These pictures don't do it justice and I'll add a link for video as soon as I complete it!