Week 4: Narrative & Interactivity
This week we look at the relationship between storytelling and interactivity. We will examine two texts: Interactive Narrative and Linear Narrative by Tomothy Garrand and Interactive Storytelling: The Renaissance of Naration by Eku Wand.
To view a flash-based presentation of Interactive Narrative and Linear Narrative by Timothy Garrand click here.
Week 4 class exercise: Narrative
In the article “Interactive Storytelling: Renaisasance of Naration” the author Eku Wand somewhat rhetorically makes the following statement:
The relationship between naration and interactivity would appear to be antithetical. Does that make the fusion of ‘naration’ (the art of capativating the listener with good storytelling) with ‘interactivity’ (the art of liberating the user with well designed man-machine inter-relationships) a contradiction in terms? is the notion of ‘interactive storytelling a paradox?
In making this statement Wand draws attention to the inherent tension between the need for coherence in storytelling and the increased experiential richness provided by interactivity. It is a tension that every interactive designer working in this manner must negotiate. Using his questions as a guide you are asked to critically consider the ways narrative and interactivity can be combined. Working alone you are asked to explore a number of narrative-based web projects and address the following questions for class discussion:
What type of structure does the project use? Wow could you map the project to reveal this structure?
Does the project have a clear beginning and end? Is there a sense of resolution to the project and the narrative?
How does interactivity relate to the process of storytelling? Can you identify any strategies that are used by the designers to allow interactivity to co-exist with the movement of the narrative?
Is the interactivity meaningfulling embedded in the narrative? Do the interactive tasks make ’sense’ in terms of the narrative arc.
Does the presence of interactivity strengthen the sense of narrative disclosure? For example does interactive tasks allow you to uncover details necessary to further the story?
Does the interactivity ever distract from the user from the narrative flow?
Could the work be realised without interactivity? and if so would it provide as rich an ‘experience’?
Websites:
Week 3: Interface
This week we are considering issues surrounding interface. We wil look at a range of sites and consider the way that interface relates to both content and design concept.
Week 3 class exercise: Interface
For this exercise you are asked to work in groups of 3 or 4 students and present your findings to the class as a group.
You are asked to examine the list of websites provided below and make notes on each site regarding the relationship between the content of the site and its interface. In exploring each site you are asked to consider the following points and make notes:
• What is the relationship between the content of the site and the interface used? Can the two be separated?
• How is feedback provided by the interface? Is it clear at all times what consequence of user’s actions will have? Does exploration play a role in the interface?
• What level of complexity is present in the interface? Is it overly complex? Is there a secondary interface available? Is a secondary interface necessary?
• Does the interface use any metaphors? Does it refer either visually or conceptually to other objects or processes in the “real” world? Does the operation of the interface rely on the user’s knowledge or understanding of other technologies?
• What special features does the interface use? How is movement, depth, focus and sound employed. What affect is created by their use?
• Does the interface use any techniques to promote a feeling of physical interaction? Do these techniques effectively create a heightened feeling of experience in the interactive project? If so, what is the advantage of this?
• Is the model of interface employed for the website successful? Is there a different model of interface that could have been applied more successfully?
Websites:
http://www.boucheron.com/preciousmoments/
http://www.ony.ru/en/#/obrand/
http://www.luminalive.sg/v2/index.php
http://www.pencilrebel.com/
http://www.crumpler.com.au
http://www.thesecretlocation.com/
http://helpthehoneybees.com
http://www.dhl-discoverlogistics.com/cms/flash/#/en/