The website where these mappings can be viewed is fully functional, but still in development. The interface has undergone a number of revisions, usability being a major concern as it is intentionally not a conventional interface and this will present some problems to visitors. Also changes have been incorporated as a result of feedback obtained during workshops, etc. I have also had to resolve one major aspect of the project; how to include contextual information relating to the mappings and the project as a whole? I plan to remedy this over the following months; the strategy being adopted is to include the research, development and reflections in the work itself so that these become part of the mappings. The images taken by participants are sent as they are taken via MMS to a custom hardware and software system, comprising a gsm/gprs modem, sms/mms gateway software, php scripts and a mysql database. MMS is an acronym for Multimedia Messaging System. Similar to the more commonly used SMS or text message, but with the added capability of incorporating images, audio and video content in a single message. All entries are stored in a mySQL database and await approval if not from a trusted source. Approval of images before they are released into public realm is a major consideration during these times of heightened anxiety about the use of mobile phones for capturing unsolicited images. The images need to be vetted for appropriateness and suitability. A secure web page is provided for administrators of the project that displays the image as it is received in real time, and provides a simple mechanism for approving the image. Once approved, the main viewing java web start application loads the image from the database. The database is polled at regular intervals to check for newly approved content. The application allows for the participants to return to the site and view their submitted images, and manipulate this content in relation to other content, closing the loop by giving control of the look of the 'mapping' or montage to the participants. The content can also be manipulated in further ways: 1. Text annotations can be added to existing content, with the option of leaving this text visible or available on demand. In a nutshell, this scheme allows the content to be manipulated by visitors to the site, allowing for an emergent montage of media elements. The online application implements an experimental interface developed by the Human-Computer Interaction Lab (HCIL) at the University of Maryland that allows spatial manipulation and 'zooming' of all content. Zooming is an interface paradigm that has in terms of navigability the greatest efficiency in comparison to other interface schemes. Essentially, this means that the interface allows for the navigation of a large data set in a more efficient manner than any other option. It is also referred to as a 2.5 dimension interface as the zooming gives the illusion of a 3rd dimension, but a restricted one at that. Thus far I have discussed the most visible aspects of the technology enabling the project. Other components that play a crucial role include: |
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