Open for business

When I left the gallery it was frantic with people installing work and setting up refreshments, projectors, and lighting. I have no doubt everything will be ready when the doors open tonight and, much to my relief, Origami is running smoothly.

I did have a few surprises earlier this afternoon — the wireless router that almost got locked in storage, a few spots in the gallery with poor cell reception, and my database that suddenly went haywire — but those are all sorted out. The system is running through a Wi-Fi router, mounted with heavy-duty Velcro under a computer kiosk, and a Nokia E71 phone I’ve hidden somewhere in the gallery. The hardest part was to find a hiding spot with both strong Wi-Fi and cell signal, which was also accessible in case of emergencies but not easy for guests or university maintenance to stumble upon. In case my hiding spot is found out I’ve appended a plea inside the phone’s case: “Please do not remove this phone! It is vital for AMT Exhibition. Thank you.”

I’m looking forward to seeing how this gigantic user test goes. If you are in the area please stop by and say hello.

This hand-out is available at both entrances of 2 W. 13th Street and several resting spots.

Origami SMS installed on a Nokia E71 with Sydewynder

Visitors are asked to locate the Mobile Content symbol on object labels (left) throughout the exhibition.

I had some concern at first that the number code (lower right) might be seen as a distraction from the project description. However the code is subtle and, thanks to the work of Roland Tiangco and Stefan Knecht, it blends perfectly with the exhibition design.