The IDEA9202 studio focuses on Futuring Interactive Archives, investigating creative interventions into gallery archives. The main question driving this project is: “How can speculative design and futuring help us engage with the archives and possible futures of galleries?” We aim to design, prototype, and build speculative systems and responsive works to creatively engage with the histories and potential futures of the Tin Sheds Gallery (TSG).
Challenge
The challenge was to create an interactive and engaging design concept that connects both in-person and remote audiences with the past, present, and future of the Tin Sheds Gallery. The project emphasised Indigenous perspectives on ethical interactions with archives and collections, aiming to make the gallery’s collections and exhibitions accessible to a wider audience through innovative design.
Goals and Metrics
Goals: To design an interactive system that enhances user engagement with TSG’s archives, connecting them with the gallery and each other.
Metrics: Success will be measured by the level of user engagement, feedback from participants, and the effectiveness of the interactive design in fostering a connection with the gallery’s archives.
Research
Research Goals: Our research aimed to understand how speculative design and futuring can be applied to engage audiences with the archives of the TSG. We focused on exploring artistic approaches to navigating and interacting with archives, the relationship between digital archives and virtual exhibitions, and applying futuring methods to archival visualisation.
Research Methodologies: We utilised a combination of site visits, audience interviews, literature reviews, and speculative design methods. This involved engaging with existing archives, conducting user research, and applying futuring techniques to envision potential future scenarios for the gallery.
Preliminary Survey: We conducted surveys with current TSG visitors to understand their experiences and expectations regarding archive interactions. This provided us with valuable insights into user needs and preferences.
Intercepts: During site visits, we gathered spontaneous feedback from visitors about their interactions with the gallery’s exhibits and archives. This helped us identify key areas for improvement and innovation.
Interviews: We interviewed curators, archivists, and regular visitors of TSG to gain deeper insights into their perspectives on archive engagement and future possibilities for the gallery.
Cultural Probe: A cultural probe was deployed to gather rich qualitative data from participants about their personal connections with TSG’s archives and their visions for its future.
Expert Interviews: Discussions with experts in archive management and interactive design provided us with critical insights into best practices and innovative approaches to engaging with archives.
Insights
Archetypes: From our research, we developed archetypes representing different user groups engaging with the TSG archives. These archetypes helped us tailor our design to meet diverse user needs.
Design Principles: We established design principles focusing on accessibility, engagement, and cultural sensitivity to guide our project development.
Ideation
Early Concepts: Our initial concepts included interactive timelines, augmented reality exhibits, and digital storytelling platforms that connect users with TSG’s rich history and potential futures.
Design, Test and Iterate
The design process for this project evolved significantly, demonstrating strategic adaptability. Initially, our concept revolved around creating a simple interactive timeline. However, as we delved deeper into user feedback and speculative design methodologies, our direction shifted towards developing a more immersive digital platform. This evolution was driven by our commitment to creating a richer, more engaging user experience.
Prototypes: We developed low-fidelity prototypes to test our concepts, iterating based on user feedback to refine our designs. Our prototype was of a systematic event which we put on exhibition.
Here is how it woks: When the audience enters TSG, they will see tables with iPads at the entrance, with signs directing them to choose different archives, which will bring up the corresponding game worlds (i.e. the world of 2050 based on different themes). There is then a flow and synopsis of the game, and after playing the game, the audience is asked to vote on which archive-related game they would like to play next year. This time, the game is followed by giving people seeds of different plants to plant at home. Increase the participation of each audience member, raise their interest in ARCHIVES, and start with everyone working for a better world.
User Interaction Cycle: The user interaction cycle was mapped out to ensure a seamless and engaging experience for users interacting with our design.
User Testing: User testing sessions were conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of our prototypes. Participants provided valuable feedback on the usability and engagement levels of our designs. User Interaction Cycle: The user interaction cycle was mapped out to ensure a seamless and engaging experience for users interacting with our design.
Final Solution
Our final solution is an interactive digital platform that integrates with TSG’s physical space. This platform allows users to explore the gallery’s archives through immersive storytelling and interactive exhibits, fostering a deeper connection with the gallery and its collections.
Validation
Situation: Engaging with TSG archives presented a unique challenge of blending historical preservation with modern interaction design.
Task: Our task was to design an interactive system that makes TSG’s archives accessible and engaging for a broad audience.
Action: We conducted extensive research, developed prototypes, and iterated based on feedback to refine our design.
Result: The result is a cohesive design solution that connects users with the gallery’s past, present, and future, demonstrating my capability to lead and innovate in design projects.
This project showcased my ability to apply speculative design and futuring methods effectively, emphasizing my commitment to creating culturally sensitive and engaging interactive experiences. The iterative process, while challenging, ultimately led to a more robust and impactful solution, underscoring the value of adaptability and strategic decision-making in design.
