Developing a Framework for Heterotopias as Discursive Playgrounds: A Comparative Analysis of Non-Immersive and Immersive Technologies

The discursive space represents the reordering of knowledge gained through accumulation. In the digital age, multimedia has become the language of information, and the space for archival practices is provided by non-immersive technologies, resulting in the disappearance of several layers from discursive activities. Heterotopias are unique, multilayered epistemic contexts that connect other systems through the exchange of information. This paper describes a process to create a framework for Virtual Reality, Mixed Reality, and personal computer environments based on heterotopias to provide absent layers. This study provides virtual museum space as an informational terrain that contains a "world within worlds" and presents place production as a layer of heterotopia and the subject of discourse. Automation for the individual multimedia content is provided via various sorting and grouping algorithms, and procedural content generation algorithms such as Binary Space Partitioning, Cellular Automata, Growth Algorithm, and Procedural Room Generation. Versions of the framework were comparatively evaluated through a user study involving 30 participants, considering factors such as usability, technology acceptance, and presence. The results of the study show that the framework can serve diverse contexts to construct multilayered digital habitats and is flexible for integration into professional and daily life practices

WebAL Comes of Age: A review of the first 21 years of Artificial Life on the Web

We present a survey of the first 21 years of web-based artificial life (WebAL) research and applications, broadly construed to include the many different ways in which artificial life and web technologies might intersect. Our survey covers the period from 1994—when the first WebAL work appeared—up to the present day, together with a brief discussion of relevant precursors. We examine recent projects, from 2010–2015, in greater detail in order to highlight the current state of the art. We follow the survey with a discussion of common themes and methodologies that can be observed in recent work and identify a number of likely directions for future work in this exciting area

CREATING A COHERENT SCORE: THE MUSIC OF SINGLE-PLAYER FANTASY COMPUTER ROLE-PLAYING GAMES

This thesis provides a comprehensive exploration into the music of the ludic genre (Hourigan, 2005) known as a Computer Role-Playing Game (CRPG) and its two main sub-divisions: Japanese and Western Role-Playing Games (JRPGs & WRPGs). It focuses on the narrative category known as genre fiction, concentrating on fantasy fiction (Turco, 1999) and seeks to address one overall question: How do fantasy CRPG composers incorporate the variety of musical material needed to create a coherent score across the JRPG and WRPG divide? Seven main chapters form the thesis text. Chapter One provides an introduction to the thesis, detailing the research contributions in addition to outlining a variety of key terms that must be understood to continue with the rest of the text. A database accompanying this thesis showcases the vast range of CRPGs available; a literature review tackles relevant existing materials. Chapters Two and Three seek to provide the first canonical history of soundtracks used in CRPGs by dissecting typical narrative structures for games so as to provide context to their musical scores. Through analysis of existing game composer interviews, cultural influences are revealed. Chapters Four and Five mirror one another with detailed discussion respectively regarding JRPG and WRPG music including the influence that anime and Hollywood cinema have had upon them. In Chapter Six, the use of CRPG music outside of video games is explored, particularly the popularity of JRPG soundtracks in the concert hall. Chapter Seven concludes the thesis, summarising research contributions achieved and areas for future work. Throughout these chapters, the core task is to explain how the two primary sub-genres of CRPGs parted ways and why the music used to accompany these games differs so drastically

Patina : layering a history-of-use on digital objects

Thesis (S.M.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Program in Media Arts & Sciences, 1998.Includes bibliographical references (leaves 57-59).by Ansel Arjan Schütte.S.M

Intertwingled: The Work and Influence of Ted Nelson

History of Computing; Computer Appl. in Arts and Humanities; Data Structures; User Interfaces and Human Computer Interactio

Electronic Imaging & the Visual Arts. EVA 2019 Florence

The Publication is following the yearly Editions of EVA FLORENCE. The State of Art is presented regarding the Application of Technologies (in particular of digital type) to Cultural Heritage. The more recent results of the Researches in the considered Area are presented. Information Technologies of interest for Culture Heritage are presented: multimedia systems, data-bases, data protection, access to digital content, Virtual Galleries. Particular reference is reserved to digital images (Electronic Imaging & the Visual Arts), regarding Cultural Institutions (Museums, Libraries, Palace - Monuments, Archaeological Sites). The International Conference includes the following Sessions: Strategic Issues; New Science and Culture Developments & Applications; New Technical Developments & Applications; Cultural Activities – Real and Virtual Galleries and Related Initiatives, Access to the Culture Information. One Workshop regards Innovation and Enterprise. The more recent results of the Researches at national and international level are reported in the Area of Technologies and Culture Heritage, also with experimental demonstrations of developed Activities

Vice : an interface designed for complex engineering software : an application of virtual reality

Concurrent Engineering has been taking place within the manufacturing industry for many years whereas the construction industry has until recently continued using the 'over the wall' approach where each task is completed before the next began. For real concurrent engineering in construction to take place there needs to be true collaborative working between client representatives, construction professionals, suppliers and subcontractors. The aim of this study was to design, develop and test a new style of user interface which promotes a more intuitive form of interaction than the standard desktop metaphor based interface. This new interface has been designed as an alternative for the default interface of the INTEGRA system and must also promote enhanced user collaboration. By choosing alternative metaphors that are more obvious to the user it is postulated that it should be possible for such an interface to be developed. Specific objectives were set that would allow the project aim to be fulfilled. These objectives are outlined below: To gain a better understanding of the requirements of successful concurrent engineering particularly at the conceptual design phase. To complete a thorough review of the current interfaces had to take place including any guidelines on how to create a "good user interface". To experience many of the collaboration systems available today so that an informed choice of application can be made. To learn the relevant skills required to design, produce and implement the interface of choice. To perform a user evaluation of the finished user interface to improve overall usability and further streamline the concurrent conceptual design. The user interface developed used a virtual reality environment to create a metaphor of an office building. Project members could then coexist and interact within the building promoting collaboration and at the same time have access to the remaining INTEGRA tools. The user evaluation proved that the Virtual Integrated Collaborative Environment (VICE) user interface was a successful addition to the INTEGRA system. The system was evaluated by a substantial number of different users which validates this finding. The user evaluation also provided positive results from two different demographics concluding that the system was easy, intuitive to use with the necessary functionality. Using metaphor based user interfaces is not a new concept. It has become standard practise for most software developers. There are arguments for and against these types of user interfaces. Some advanced users will argue that having such an interface limits their ability to make full use of the applications. However the majority of users do not come within this bracket and for them, metaphor based user interfaces are very useful. This is again evident from the user evaluation.EThOS - Electronic Theses Online ServiceGBUnited Kingdo