Projects from MA Interactive Media at London College of Communication. Mobile platform application, enterprise 2.0, new desktop interface metaphor, real world social networking project. As well as description of those projects, it shows what I have learnt through the process.

"ink-ling" is a novel hand-held information sharing device that provides a tangible, softer means of communication. Multiple "ink-ling" devices can connect autonomously and wirelessly in public space, allowing real life information sharing and creating a physical social network. We envisage "ink-ling" functioning as a creative outlet for designers, musicians and anyone with the desire to share their personal portfolio of work with others.

In the LCC MA Interactive, the design process was entirely based on the concept of User-centered Design. I have done several screen based projects following this concept, although my interest is not directed at visual based communication. In this final major project I wanted to take responsible for concept development and gain understanding of the User-Centered Design process in objective media, something tangible. ink-ling is based on analysis of Tangible Bit, Human Computing Design and Near Field Communication, and another design concept of Emotional Design which is I am really keen on. Field research of Interactive design today and case studies of human behaviour in public space were core elements of this process. As a result I could find my own methodology of User-centered Design process including a research strategy, brainstorming tips and problem solving techniques.

The brief was to create a business social network for a imaginary consulting company Tulip, a multinational business that operates in 23 different countries and has over 10,000 employees. The focus in our Social Networking System was making visible the following; Presence, Updates, Location and Status. By doing this our system would keep Tulip Employees in sync with each other regardless of where they ware located or how long they have been at Tulip. This system would make accessing information fast and precise as well as highlighting connections within Tulip with an emphasis on 'who is working with whom' thus keeping everyone updated and united in Tulip. We have called this system 'tulip.PULS'

Enterprise2.0 requires specific elements on the Graphic User Interface. In order to create a 'useable'/'user friendly' interface, it is necessary to undergo a proper process of creating an information architecture before it is visualised . The information flow-chart should be a hierarchical one based on analysis of users needs. It is simply because the Web2.0 structure combined lots of information and different elements, 'Simplicity' was a key word for finalising this visual. Clear global navigation and intuitive graphics are inevitable.

In addition to this, I have been a Project Manager in the moving image industry on more than one occasion. Working in different industry however would have been another story especially with another language and in different culture. It was a great experience to be an Project Manager in another environment.

The brief was to analyse the current desktop metaphor and create a new interface concept for a specific target group "Backpacker". This is for travelers and has a remote interface that allows users to easily document their trips by uploading media (music, photo's, video's, etc), contact details and documents onto specific locations relevant to their trip. In addition to this, users are encouraged to share this media – for example photo's of locations they have visited, as well music that they have listened to there. They can also tag locations on the map - restaurants, nightclubs etc that they wish to recommend. Thus users get not only an interface that allows them upload media, search the web, use applications, but also networks them with other travelers worldwide, in a geographic network.

It was a great experience to create Graphic User Interface for desktop metaphor. I have been a Motion Graphics Designer professionally for a couple of years, as of yet, apart form Zapper design on IPTV during a placement, I had not done any interactive Graphic User Interface work. Desktop interfaces require lots of functionalities, as well as initially creating flowchart/wireframe was a big influence design process. Graphics or Animation tends to appeal audience's feeling, but GUI is needed visual attraction and also usability.

The brief was to create non-linear narrative interaction based on the existing story of "Spectre of Erigle Truagh". As we considered multi users functions and adopting GPS feedback in this system in the future development on this project, we applied to mobile platform. Story is a text-based game with a short animation and atmospheric sounds.

I have experienced writing script for several short films, however, for interactive narrative requires more complex structure. Usability testing was a necessary process to raise level of interactivity. Even quite simple questions as to whether this story was fun and understandable was holding the development back.