Overview
This week our budget was approved, allowing us to start purchasing props and hardware. With this green light, we made progress in both technical and narrative development, while also playtesting our interactive elements and refining the user experience.
Meetings
We updated both our instructors and client on our progress, showcasing our character-based research, sensor selection, and hardware considerations. Anna also introduced an exciting new interactive element—a telegram booth, inspired by a real feature on the Titanic. This design allows the audience to pick up a phone, speak into it, and have their message transcribed and displayed on a nearby screen. Both instructors and clients loved the idea, as it is more intuitive and engaging than the original postcard concept, requiring less effort from the audience while maintaining interactivity.
Building and Playtesting
Jasmin started ordering Arduino components and is excited to begin assembling.
Sarah and Devika visited a thrift store to start gathering props from our list.
Anna and Fay took the telegram prototype to Hunt Library’s Playtest Night, gathering valuable feedback:
- The booth design needs to be more visually integrated into the Titanic aesthetic.
- The text display on-screen should have a more engaging artistic presentation (exploring P5.js for better effects).
- Participants need a more private space to feel comfortable engaging.
- Deep reflective prompts might feel overwhelming before the show—consider adjusting prompts based on timing (pre-show, intermission, or end).
- The interaction is best suited for solo engagement rather than group participation.
Research and Production Planning
The team met with Sayantee, the Production Manager for Drama, to discuss our design and potential lighting equipment support.
Team Photo
Next Steps:
- Continue building schematics and assembling hardware
- Refine the telegram interaction’s software and UI design
- Keep collecting props
- Complete one full station by Halves