latest synopsis

The goal of our latest meeting was to zero in on the interface we would be using and how this would relate to the hierarchy we established in the previous meeting and the ideas and concepts discussed in class.

One of the first ideas we talked about, preceded an actual interface, however, it did begin to address a conceptual idea about the presentation of the interface. The idea was to show what would essentially be a documentary with the director of Mount Hope, Jim Hudson moving through the cemetery talking about various individuals and terminating at a digital interface which uses the hierarchy seen in the previous blog by Alejandro. Jim, having never seen the actual interface would then critique the system and how it relates to the current concept of the cemetery and any possible ramifications.

We then re-visited the idea of the wiki starting prior to the death of the individual and thus establishing the hierarchy as the deceased would want it, rather than having an administrator try to determine the proper relationships.

Another discussion dealt with the various ways in which a digital interface could either be integrated into the framework of historic tombstones, a digital interface that would be in addition to the tombstones, or a new typology which would re-define grave markers. While discussing the interface we also considered whether the interface would be the same for everyone or if they could be customized.

Another discussion was to determine if the interface would be touch screen, typed or a card reader.

The final concept discussed was that of a buried or hidden transmitter that would mark the spot a person identifies as their memorial marker.

In the end it was determined that the location of the wiki access points would be at whatever location was predetermined by the individual. A transmitter would then be buried, submerged or hidden depending upon the type of location. A tablet pc would be the way of viewing the wiki and thus the log in and interaction is all dependent upon the visitor's own hardware. The rationale for this method is to tie the deceased and their visitors to a meaningful location to reflect, remember and pay tribute while leaving the location undisturbed for optimal consideration and reflection. In addition, an individual could chose a location that typically a marker would impede the public's navigation or use. For example, if Henry David Thoureau were to use Walden as his location, his visitor's could view Walden as he did without a marker or monument disturbing the views and conditions that intrigued Thoureau in the first place.