Robo is an interactive system for the iPhone.
How it works
Users answer questions about name, age and provenance to fill a small profile that allows other users to identify them. They choose their personal square, combining shapes and colors, then iPhone with these graphics on the screen directly in the pocket/window of their t-shirts. A pointer indicates each user’s position on map so that they can reconstruct the interaction they had had during the day. If a user passes another user, the smartphone vibrates suggesting the presence of another member of the community. It is a kind of invitation to look around for a person to share something with. Every meeting increases the quantity of squares on your screen by adding other users’ graphics to your own. If someone knocks into you, your graphic pattern shakes and vibrates.
Robo – Step through from interaction-venice on Vimeo
Reference and research
Squares, inspired by flags and heraldry, colors inspired by Alighiero Boetti’s tapestry, and interactive movements generate infinite graphic combinations on the screen of the iPhone placed in a transparent pocket/window on the user’s t-shirt. Heraldry is a social representation of role and presence in society. Boetti’s works as reference to traditional collective contributions to a social action. Each user has a single square to record his/her presence in the common space of the city. The “tissue” he/she shows around the city is the report of all the relationships inwoven in the day.
Graphic design
We designed a new graphic by squares from simple heraldry elements that, combined with colors match, formulate a big range of graphic opportunities starting from very simple elements.
The image below shows an example of Robo. It’s possible to see how the same grid could get different appearances depending on its colors.
The follow picture displays the range of designed grids.
And complying with these grids we identified the icons.
Interaction
The interaction between people is represented by an animation in which different robos arrives from different screen’s sides. These movements happen unexpectedly just like it happens between people when they meet.
Robo – Interactions from interaction-venice on Vimeo.
The user must install the application on iPhone and needs internet connection, gps antenna and accelerometer.
Mood
Seen from the outside, the system’s users will see actors reciting an invisible script. Maybe other will desire to be part of this troupe. Maybe they will find them a bit kinky.
| home | concept | design | process | code | critical reflection | | credits | downloads |