Archive for May, 2010
How to create a motion tween in a movie clip
May 5th
For this interaction it played through a button (to create a button follow Amber’s demo on buttons)
after creating the button, create a movie clip and name it appropriately ( i named it intermediate_mc), then i created a motion tween. where i scrubbed through the motion through the number frames to get it to last for the appropriate amount of time. then add the code:
stop();
MovieClip(parent).nextFrame();
this will take it to the next frame after the clip has played through.
Creating a button to activate a movie clip
May 5th
first create a button on the area of the screen you want to activate, create a frame from up to hit.
enter the code:
buddha_btn.addEventListener(MouseEvent.CLICK,buddha_btnPressed);
function buddha_btnPressed(event:MouseEvent):void{
gotoAndStop(9);
};
Create a movie clip in the next frame (i made it in frame 9) be sure to name it (in my case i named it help_mc), next create the tweening or whatever you want to do in the clip and add the code:
stop();
MovieClip(parent).gotoAndStop(8);
Because at the end of the clip I wanted it to go back to the place where I started, I added the frame number “8″ to take it back to where I hit the button.
Streaming Servers at Harvard School of Engineering and Applied Sciences
May 5th
At Harvard Engineering School and Applied Sciences, they encourage the experimentation and testing of new systems. They are working now with a way to stream information to laptops via a satellite server. This is supposed to speed downloads and utilize academic scholarship. They have run several tests and keep coming up with user errors due to complex and complicated methods. User’s must go to technicians and get help accessing the network. Once on they are able to access the streaming server they can download and navigate quickly. They agree that the system needs work but are impressed with the results. They also look for new platforms for flexible users with flexible users relating to people diverse users of students (engineers to bio-chemists to physics) and faculty. I find it interesting to try to define navigation for complex systems like the one implemented at Harvard. I find it interesting as well to note that the use of streaming. As seen in the public sphere, commercial companies use streaming to limited paying customers to access their library of information. For example, Netflix has a large selection of movies which it allows users to access after buying an account. Though the access is limited; users often share their account with others broadening the number of users. Simple operation and simple design play into the popularity of Netflix. If a university implements the same tactics and thinking used by commercial companies like Netflix then a new mobile education revolution could follow. Student body would grow with simple use and mobile access. With the affordances of web-based learning many students from around the world will have access to higher learning, preferably free with shared membership. The results appear endless in the educational sphere. Many classes would be able to access whole text books and tutorials stored via satellite servers. Classes would be more flexible to students and educational tools wider used.
case study (A Case Study in Scientific Application Streaming at the Harvard School of Engineering And Applied Sciences):
http://ipip.intel.com/go/dvc/
T-Mobile Design Challenge
May 5th
This article presents a case-study on how the frog design team used clean and good design to create templates that work for the T-mobile branding system. It was nice to see them embracing simplicity through the use of white space and clean lines.
Button to call the next screen, with TWEENS!
May 5th
Ok, so this is the easier version of making slide transitions between screens.
Click on the escape ‘x’ which will take you to the next screen.
Place your frame that is “sliding in” on Layer 3. Tween from its starting position off screen to the right, to its ending position in the iPhone screen. (Make sure to create a mask)
On the labels layer place your current frame in the iPhone screen and tween from that position to its ending position off to the left.
Add an instance name to the screen on scene1 that is currently being used (nasdaq_screen)
The instance name for the button to proceed to the next screen here is called escape_btn.
Continue to place the button name (with capitalized first letter!) between the two “on______Click” actions.
Place a stop(); after your last frame to keep from looping.
stop();
nasdaq_screen.escape_btn.addEventListener (MouseEvent.CLICK, onEscapeClick);
function onEscapeClick (event:MouseEvent) : void {
this.play();
}
“The Cell Phone Revolution”
May 5th
“In the developed world, we’re tethered to our mobile devices. In the developing world, the phones are essentially primary computing devices, as well as communication tools. Mobile phone usage has skyrocketed in recent years in several parts of the world. It begs the question: Is increased connectivity making us more productive?”
It is just amazing to see the massive increase in cellphone usage within developing countries. While my stay in the Middle East and Western Asia two years ago, I noticed that everyone- especially the poor (tailors to maids to little children) had access to a cellphone. I also wonder how this is increasing productivity in such societies. For children, it was more of a status thing to own a cellphone, as they would play games and show off the new features of their phone to other friends. But I saw a lot of improvement in communication between labor workers. It was much easier to get in contact with them rather than taking a ride to bazaars and villages. As time goes by it seems everyone is staying connected and the more technology develops, the more the crowd will follow no matter where they live.
How to click a movie clip to call out another movie clip
May 5th
With much needed help from Amber, my greatest accomplishment of the flash video (that wasn’t even featured in my presentation 
) is here.
To view the action click the blue tab located in the top right corner of the screen (this is called companysort_mc)
When this is CLICKED the menu slides out (companysort_btn)
Embed the button inside of the movie clip, and the movie clip inside of the larger movie clip (the screen, called: companiesabc_mc)
Name the screen on Scene1 (compabc_screen)
Actionscript:
stop();
compabc_screen.companysort_mc.companysort_menu.addEventListener(MouseEvent.CLICK, moveout);
compabc_screen.companysort_mc.companysort_btn.addEventListener (MouseEvent.CLICK, onCompanysortClick);
function moveout (event:MouseEvent) : void {
compabc_screen.companysort_mc.play();
}
function onCompanysortClick (event:MouseEvent) : void {
this.play();
}
WHAM! BAM! THANK YOU MA’AM!
13 Apps in 30 Days – CASE STUDY
May 5th
This case study was through the LA times, and of course they were learning how to speak a new language only using an iPhone app (Jonathan I wish I would have found this earlier!) She is learning Japanese for trip to Japan and updates occasionally on how the apps are or are not working, the various features she likes, etc. etc. I’m waiting for another post in the near future for the final wrap up in the case study. But if not, there is a lot to learn from a novice in these two articles.
Kids these days…
May 5th
Parents Using smartphones to entertain bored kids
I thought it was bad enough that kids were getting into texting at such an early age. But now mothers are seeing it as a way to entertain their children- kids as young as 3!! Parents believe that smart phones can enhance their childs’ learning experience. And now these smart phones are turning into toys for young children.
No need for a babysitter, get that kid an iphone!
May 5th
This two part article is hilarious, but at the same time sad and true. The parenting site discusses how mom’s iphone can become a “second hand” or even person when dealing with her obnoxious kids. The article has found various games and applications that can keep that screaming kid in the backseat quiet and entertained for hours! Although the main focus of the article is games and how those aid in learning (pointing back to our project), it kind of sickens me that children playing games has moved from with a group outside, to with a group indoors in front of the tv playing video games, to single player computer games, to single player hand held video games (Gameboys, Nintendo DS), to now single player iPhone/smart phone games. Although their minds and abilities are being challenged by these complex, educational, and FUN games, how are they learning how to deal with their personal and social problems? If mom just sticks her iPhone in their hands when they start whining then isn’t that more of a reward for both? Anywho, I have a feeling this pattern will only continue to get worse, but all the while, at least these applications are being used to enhance the future minds of the world. Yippy!
iPad was already invented 38 years ago.
May 5th
The iPad was Invented 38 years ago is a very interesting article that talks on how the iPad was taken from an idea that was already invented years ago. It questions the originality of the iPad and that it is just remodeling of a past device. A children’s personal computer called “Dynabook” was very much like the iPad, and Kay, the scientist behind the interface, made leaps and bounds in inventing such an interface. The author argues that giving Apple credit for inventing a new way of using the computer is not so acceptable. In the modern world of today, it is hard to pinpoint who exactly was the mastermind behind the idea. With many devices being remodeled and enhanced all by different companies, it is hard to trace back the steps and figure out where the idea really came from. With other devices such as the Kindle and TabletPC, it raises questions of originality and innovativeness of the iPad. But looking at what users want and how the interfaces become interesting and more relevant to everyone, it is safe to say the iPad is creative in providing a different kind of experience. In the end, it comes down to business and who makes the most money and in this case, Apple is the winner.
A new way to see art…
May 5th
I found this piece on Design Observer, and found the video that correlates on youtube. I am currently taking Renaissance – 20th century art so this article combines the “interactive” part of this class, and the historical paintings of the other.
The ongoing exhibition “Nine Classic Paintings Revisited,” by Peter Greenaway will eventually showcase 9 pieces of historical art in a different way, exposing the viewer to various fine details and manipulations of the pieces. He includes multiple screens throughout the vast space accompanied with music to help the viewer to truly indulge in his piece. This “view” of the historical paintings allows visitors to see the paintings up close and as they never have before. All of the originals are housed in tightly secured museums behind various barriers and contraptions that exclude any personal interaction or connection.
The way he created these cinematic features was nothing short of amazing. He was granted special permission of limited visitation to the paintings where he would project images and spend time with the originals. When these few short visits were not taking place he would work from replicas.
The author of his article states that no matter how much the audience is challenged or involved in the film/show/piece, the interactivity is not the main focus of the piece. Regardless, I feel that this is another way to think about interactivity and how using technology to benefit the learning process and aiding the participants in something that is rare or unfamiliar to them. This interactive link is allowing viewers to see and experience these paintings as they never have before. And isn’t that what interactivity is all about?
Introducing HD sound quality in mobile devices
May 5th
While the market of HD-quality in mobile devices is non-existent, it is expected to flourish within the next few years. As this article states, HD voice means an improved quality in voice calling through mobile devices.
In this article, a study shows that millions of mobile subscribers are going to be using HD-enables handsets to better enjoy their conversations.
It is interesting to see all the new innovations being made in effort to enrich user experience in every way possible.
Dynamic Virtual Clients
May 5th
I didn’t understand a lot of the jargon being spoken, but the stuff I did understand was quite interesting. Being able to run a ‘desktop’ virtually without having all the software and hardware taking up space. This could lead to a complete downsizing of technology. Possibly everything running off of hand-held virtual devices. Interaction with this kind of technology is boundless. Riley’s app could essentially be integrated into the classrooms of the future, hurdling over the ‘laptop for every child’ initiative. This would have larger ramifications as well looking at the amount of resources it takes to produce the variety of parts found in computers. By cutting down on production you save resources and the environment. This kind of technology affords broader mobility with people being able to work separately from corporate and personal access. It is frightening from my stance because it blurs the line between physical personal space and virtual space. Reflecting on all the interactions we looked at in our process, I feel that the physical space can be just as important as the virtual one. With more advances in technology and complex interactions, who will define how we set boundaries for these hairy situations concerning public/private and virtual/physical.
case study (first case study at the bottom entitled “Enabling Device Mobility with Dynamic Virtual Clients”):
http://ipip.intel.com/go/dvc/
video:
UNCONFIRMED RUMOR: Apple is upgrading all iPhones to iPad hardware.
May 5th
this is a how-to:
1. get a very sturdy rubberband, pref. one that holds broccoli together.
this can be found easily with the help of your local grocer.
2. all right. this is going to be tough, but you can do it.
stretch the rubberband over your head.
you must do this delicatley as any mishap could result in
you wearing an eyepatch all summer and being mistaken for a
pirate, and i know pirates were “cool” again last year, but you really
don’t want this, plus you are a grafiks designer and you need 2 eyes.
3. whilst stretching the broccoli rubberband, jam the magnifying glass that
you stole from eckerds/cvs/walgreens/your local retirement village/castle
over your eyes.
4. OUILA! SUPER AMAZING.
you have upgraded to iPad hardware.
5. CONGRATULATIONS.
-logan
An app is NEVER finished…
May 5th
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/22/technology/personaltech/22smart.html
This article is about a bird application that identifies and tracks birds that users see within their neighborhood. There is something similar to Jen’s “21 Questions” feature on her app, and then choosing various characteristics to determine what you see like Leah’s Garden app. Audio samples are included like in Jonathan’s. But even with this full developed app the article proclaims that experts withing the bird field ,
“….none of the top birding apps offered a way to log random notes.
“You want to be able to say something unique about what you’ve seen so you can make the notes useful to you,” he said.”
“There is another serious limitation, for all birders. Many times the only thing you know about a bird is its song. In those situations, you’d need what might be best described as an ornithological Shazam app, where the iPhone would listen for the bird song and tell you the species.”
So once again developers are running into the what-ifs, and the would of, should of, could ofs for these more advanced applications. This article just reemphasizes that applications will never be fully developed or house all of the features that its users want.
An Open Letter to Adobe
May 5th
Have you heard of a man called Steven Jobs?
I think every other conversation I have had with Nick Romanos this semester was in some way related to these things:
1. Flash
2. Apple
3. the fact that Apple will no longer support Flash
4. Flash Catalyst
ok. I’m really done talking about these things for at least 2 months. sorry nick.
here is a snarky letter from stephen jobbs talking that junk about adobe:
“Apple has a long relationship with Adobe. In fact, we met Adobe’s founders when they were in their proverbial garage. Apple was their first big customer, adopting their Postscript language for our new Laserwriter printer. Apple invested in Adobe and owned around 20% of the company for many years. The two companies worked closely together to pioneer desktop publishing and there were many good times. Since that golden era, the companies have grown apart. Apple went through its near death experience, and Adobe was drawn to the corporate market with their Acrobat products. Today the two companies still work together to serve their joint creative customers – Mac users buy around half of Adobe’s Creative Suite products – but beyond that there are few joint interests.
I wanted to jot down some of our thoughts on Adobe’s Flash products so that customers and critics may better understand why we do not allow Flash on iPhones, iPods and iPads. Adobe has characterized our decision as being primarily business driven – they say we want to protect our App Store – but in reality it is based on technology issues. Adobe claims that we are a closed system, and that Flash is open, but in fact the opposite is true. Let me explain. …
http://www.apple.com/hotnews/thoughts-on-flash/ ”
Check it out.
He actually makes good points [if you didnt expect that already]
now get off your computer and go play outside.
-Logan
switch how-to
May 5th
i’m really proud of my switch. It was more animation than code.
1irst. i made 4 variations of the switch in illustrator, one with the switch pressed all the way down one without either pushed down, and then 2 steps in between “open” and “closed”
2econd. i set each variation in it’s own frame, one after another and kept the frame rate at 24 fps so it will appear like a fluid motion
3hird. i set an invisible button over the switch and made appropriate eventListeners etc. so that clicking on the switch would cause the animation to occur
4ourth. made sure to put stops in place so it wouldnt just loop forever.
i hope posting the .swf works.
Google E-store, boasts any platform
May 5th
Google has always been a leader in innovation and easy open source for anyone and everyone. With the launch of their new online bookstore boasting virtual use by any platform, I wonder how other tech companies plan on competing. Will Apple’s iPad be a good suitor for this kind of technology? Will it bolster a new kind of tech-savvy interaction? This article brings up a lot of good points of discussion considering the who the technology serves not just the consumers but small businesses as well. After our presentations to T-Mobile and our classmates, I really began to appreciate our possible users. Without them we are nothing.
http://www.pcworld.com/article/195636/googles_ebook_store_five_burning_questions.html
…a few old things
May 5th
some gnarly storboarding
(please click for the full experience)
wireframing
(via march 4 (i dated it!))
more wireframing
…and even more.