Description
In this brainstorming activity, we will generate the ideas that will define the concepts of our group projects. We will start by generating idea lists individually, then as a group share all ideas on a pin-up brainstorming board with writing, drawing, post-it notes, and a lot of discussion.
Instructions
See slide 5.
Deliverables
At the end of this activity, the group will have created a collective pin-up brainstorming board. With this resource, the studio facilitator should take time to partner project pairs and create project folders before the next studio session. The next studio session will begin with the sharing of project concepts and project partnerships.
Description
We will launch the studio with some videos to explore the idea of a cyborg and to define the often confusing terms surrounding cybernetics to set the foundation of our projects.
Instructions
After each video, discuss cyborg concept presented with the framing of the following slides.
Deliverables
Either as a whole class or as individual students, sketch or write some initial ideas on the cyborg possibilities chart. We will return to this chart later in the studio as we brainstorm project ideas.
Description
We will create montages using photo editing software (or physically by cutting and pasting) of a future world. Imagining either a utopia or dystopia and describe how we arrived at this future.
Instructions
Use Photoshop to generate a Fictional Future World.
Start with a blank canvas with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 or greater.
Place each element on a separate Photoshop layer
Use high resolutions (large pixel count) images to build your montage
Consider perspective, color, brightness, and scale
Try multiple different options to determine which best tells your narrative
Deliverables
Create a post to showcase your image montage of a future fictional world.
Write a description to explain the world and how it became that way.
Description
In this precedent research activity, we will individually find a cyborg example on the interest to learn about and present to the rest of the studio.
Instructions
Start by watching the videos below, but go on to search the web through Google and YouTube to find examples of living cyborgs. Once you have found a unique example, sign up on the presentation sheet to ensure no two people present the same. Find images and information to create a set of slides in a post to present to the studio.
Deliverables
Your post should follow the template on the last slide. It should tell the story through a short presentation of your chosen cyborg precedent.
Description
A concept thesis is an important step in starting a collaborative partner project. We will use this time to combine ideas and arrive at the conceptual directions of our projects.
Instructions
Start by sharing the ideas that each partner brought to the brainstorming and what conclusions we arrived at by the end of the session. Take time to figure out shared interests and begin to draft both a project name and a thesis statement of what you will build.
Deliverables
At the end of this activity, each partnership should have a draft of a project name and a draft of a project concept thesis.
Description
Just like the Wearable Performance Piece introduction activity, we will build our first prototypes as full-scale mock-ups to be worn and tested on our bodies. This is an opportunity to test out design shapes, sizes, and techniques of making.
Instructions
Begin by sketching the pieces needed to construct your cyborg enhancement. Then assemble the materials needed and create quick mock-ups in paper and cardboard that you can attach to your body. Discuss with your partner what you think of the design and how it could be improved.
Deliverables
Photograph your sketches and your cardboard prototypes and assemble them in a blog post to record your first creations in the development of your cyborg concept.
Description
We will be creating a simple LED circuit embedded in a piece of fabric to introduce the concept of wearable technology.
Instructions
Learn the basics of electricity, battery voltage, switches, and LED polarity to prototype a simple circuit. Then, consider the possibility of embedding electronics into your cyborg enhancement prototype.
Deliverables
Photograph your explorations with circuits and post about how electronics might serve in the prototyping and testing of your cyborg concept.
Description
In this precedent research activity, we will individually find a cyborg example on the interest to learn about and present to the rest of the studio.
Instructions
Start by watching the videos below, but go on to search the web through Google and YouTube to find examples of living cyborgs. Once you have found a unique example, sign up on the presentation sheet to ensure no two people present the same. Find images and information to create a set of slides in a post to present to the studio.
Deliverables
Your post should follow the template on the last slide. It should tell the story through a short presentation of your chosen cyborg precedent.
Description
We will launch the studio with some videos to explore the idea of a cyborg and to define the often confusing terms surrounding cybernetics to set the foundation of our projects.
Instructions
After each video, discuss cyborg concept presented with the framing of the following slides.
Deliverables
Either as a whole class or as individual students, sketch or write some initial ideas on the cyborg possibilities chart. We will return to this chart later in the studio as we brainstorm project ideas.
