Adaptive play

Adaptive play
[Module Descriptor]
This module provides experimental framework for the design and prototyping of collaborative environments using principles of game-play; structured interactions and/or mediated behaviour. A flexible approach is used to facilitate innovative development for collaborative play using novel interfaces and/or installation environments. Aspects of interaction design and physical computing are explored to inform individual or group projects. The module is informed by current research in related fields and has a technical underpinning.

[Aims]

To establish design strategies for adaptive play
To investigate theoretical frameworks to inform design and development processes
To enable innovative approaches to interaction design across new and evolving platforms

[Objectives]

By the end of this module students will be able to:
Identify design strategies and related conceptual to inform project development
Implement an effective prototype using a range of technologies
Articulate Synthesis of theory & practice through formal presentation
Apply Research techniques to articulate core principles

[Indicative Syllabus]

Historical overview of related works
Case studies of interface design, physical computing and play theory
Overview of Alife and adaptive approaches
Interface design sensors, controllers and control surfaces, Application of games design models to e-learning systems.
Use of commercial/open source hardware and software such as Max/MSP, Pure Data, Icube, Arduino

[Delivery]

The module will explore adaptivity and interaction through seminars, demonstrations play testing and production. The module supports experimental prototypes through small group production including workshops in max/msp, Icube, Arduino , controller modding, sensors/tracking. Module is supported through Seminar/workshop format.

[TheoryPractice]

At the end of the module you will be expected to be able to:
Establish production method and individual research process
Implement strategies, software and resources to develop adaptive play prototypes
Demonstrate a synthesis of theory & practice through formal presentation
Apply Research techniques to underpin design and development.

[Brief]

Course Work Requirements: Prototype, Documentation, Short Paper
Part 1 60% Prototype (individual or group)
A negotiated project, exploring interaction models, adaptivity and mediated play. The project should be managed and documented online (Project forum or Blog) with weekly production meetings with the module leader. You should consider methods to demonstrate adaptive features of the project, for example a documented experiment showing changes in participant behaviour in response to mediated events. Examples will be shown, play-tested and discussed.

Part 2 (term 1) 40% Short Paper (Individual)
A conference style short paper (6 pages max ) presenting your prototype, referencing related works, technologies or methods, summarise your contribution and evaluate the end product, making recommendations for extending the prototype as appropriate. Investigate an individual angle that informs the project. A conference format template is provided. Related research and published papers will be discussed. PDF versions will be available from the student portal
NB: Must submit local version to server for external examiner/module archive

[Minisite]

Each individual is expected to keep an evolving and up to date archive of ideas, experiments and related works; showing the evolution of concepts, design influences and related research

[Assessment]

60% Prototype (including short presentation/play-test/peer review)
40% Short Paper
Deadline: 24 March 2010

[Criteria]

[IDAT extended Computing Benchmarks]
C1 (LO1), C5 (LO2). C8 (LO3) C9 (LO5). P1 (LO1), P8 (LO3, 4), P9 (LO4). T4 (LO6), T6 (LO3), T7 (LO6).
[Support Material]
Resources are referenced/provided through the module website.

[Staff]

Module Leader: Joasia Krysa (joasia.krysa@plymouth.ac.uk)
Joasia Krysa will lead the module and offer workshops/seminars as appropriate to inform project development and guide development activity