We augmented a photographic art display of "The Woods - A Year and a Day" by Liz mIlner with a rich soundscape of music, poetry and forest sounds. As users walked around the forest they would hear a variety of sounds depending on where they stood or where they had been. A series of stepping stones ran through the middle and stepping on them triggered a splish splosh sound and a series of verse and reflections on the woods. As the visitor hears more of the story unfold the imminent sound of thunder urges them to hurry home.
To see a video of the experience please see the Mobile Bristol conference web site and view the video
HP Labs Bristol
January 2002
Liz Milner
Armin Elsaesser
Jo Reid
Richard Hull
Paul Marsh
This experiment helped further
research in both experiene design and appliance engineering.
In the experience research strand we could explore our provisional model
of experience to see if concentration on a single dimension, drama/sensation
could provide a satisfying experience. The answer was an overwhelming
yes, however later experiments show that adding challenge to an experience
does enhance enjoyment and engagement. (See Fifi
the Fairy).
In the Appliance Engineering Research strand this experimetn enabled us
to determine what the authoring requirements are for audio based sound-scapes
and to evaluate the potential for indoor location sensing systems.
