Time: 21 June 2008 - 22 June 2008

Venue: Room1016, Beijing Institute of Fashion Technology

Number of Participants: 20

Tutors: Hannah Perner-Wilson

Email: hannah@plusea.at

Background

“Massage me” is wearable game interface that translates a massage into game controls. This interface aims to involve the people who are normally not involved in game play. It also encourages the gamer to interact differently - massage moves as supposed to button pushing. There is a strong DIY idea behind Massage me. By posting detailed instructions on the Internet we hope to animate others to create their own custom game interfaces.

Objective

This workshop aims to be a short introduction into hacking a gamepad and how very simple soft electronics can be used to create an alternative interface. The materials used are cheap and off the shelf, so that the practice introduced in the workshop can be continued at home. Sewing, soldering and experimenting with materials is not hard and should become everyday practice.

During the workshop the participants will need to analyze existing game interfaces as well as the games. There will also be a focus on mapping input and output to the body and seeing how it can be made wearable.

Approach

Depending on the backgrounds of the participants this workshop will try to adjust to their interests and skills. The first day of the workshop will introduce the participants to the technology, materials and methods and end with a brainstorming session. Groups of 3 – 5 will decide on a concept to realize the next day (with respect to the short time-frame). The second day will start off with hacking, soldering and sewing and by the end of the day the groups will present their functioning alternative game interface.

Schedule

Day 1:

12:00-18:00

12:00    Introduction of Massage me: concept and making-of

12:30    Short introductions of participant’s backgrounds and motivations

13:00    Introduction to Playstaion One gamepad and Tekken 2 game (gaming session with original controller as well as Massage me)

14:00    Introduction to hacking a gamepad

14:30    Introduction to materials, tools and methods used in soft electronics

15:00    Short break

15:30    Divide up into groups of 3 – 5

Analyzing interaction scenario: gamepad and game play

Think about alternative interfaces

Write down ideas, make sketches, discuss

17:00    Presenting concepts and quick feedback (making sure concepts are                      realizable in short time-frame)

If finished early: Start to hack gamepads in groups

Day 2:

12:00-19:00

12:00    Start/finish hacking gamepads

13.00:   Realize concepts

16:00    Testing sessions for individual groups

17:00    Time to finish

18:00    Final presentations at the end

Output

In groups of 3 or 5 the students will hack their own gamepad and prototype their vision of an alternative interaction scenario using soft electronics as well as other available materials.

Tutor Biography

Hannah Perner-Wilson studied Industrial Design and Interface Cultures at the Art University in Linz, Austria. During her studies she began to create wearable technology pieces. She is fascinated by details and interested in exploring alternative and seemingly bizarre human computer relations.

“Massage me” is a collaboration between Hannah and Mika Satomi.

Mika Satomi is originally from Japan, currently based in Linz, Austria. Her current interest leads her to explore the concept of an urban body extension in the realm of wearable technology.

Materials

·          PlayStation One gamepad per group (does not need to be original, can be    the cheapest available)

·          Isolated single wire and rainbow wire

·          Aluminum or copper tape with conductive adhesive

·          Solder

·          Shrink tubing

·          Isolating tape

·          Fabrics (old clothing items)

·          Neoprene or felt or thicker fabrics

·          Conductive thread: http://www.sparkfun.com/commerce/product_info.php?products_id=8544

·          Conductive fabric: http://www.lessemf.com/fabric.html

·          5mm thick foam or felt

·          Pellon fusible:   http://www.shoppellon.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=68

·          Cardboard

·          Sticky tape

·          Staples, paper-clips, other interesting metal fasteners…

·          Any other kinds of interesting materials that are available…

Equipment for all

• Playstaion One console
• Tekken 2 game
• TV monitor