[DML Competition 4: Badges for Lifelong Learning]

Origami: pilot results are in

Author: Model

Posted: 5/26/2009 - 12:00am

In: Digital Media & Learning Competition 2, Origami: Enfolding Real and Virtual Learning, Competitions

During last week’s pilot more than 50 visitors saved artworks to their mobile phones using a site-specific text message application. The response was overwhelmingly positive and I’ve even had a few requests to do installs for other shows. One student from Parsons, Kathryn Proulx, commented on her blog that Origami “totally transformed the experience. Instead of taking everyone’s business cards and writing down their names you could easily have your favorite pieces emailed to you”. Thank you to everyone who gave Origami a try and offered your feedback! I’m looking forward to lots of new designs inspired by all the conversations we’ve been having.

This pilot was significant to my research in several ways. First, the event brought together a diverse group spanning generations and geographies. Second, it took place in a playground of visually and conceptually rich art and design objects. For the first time users made multiple saves, in some cases across multiple visits. Finally, this was the first ever public installation, running without my supervision and without a formal introduction. Visitors received a simple hand-out to explain how Origami works and lead them through the process of their first save.