ARTEFACTS CONCLUSION DRAFT

CONCLUSION

Two out of the four members in my focus group have read some parts of my research project document, they are not experts in the subject nonetheless they now have sufficient knowledge about my area of discussion. The two members acted as my

'Placebo'. Therefore I will be able to asses the placebo effect by comparing similarities and differences of the answers from my placebo group and my non placebo group. To avoid the two members of my focus group from being biased I created constraints for them. I gave them a 30 second time constraint for each artefact they viewed. I did this so their opinions were as realistic as possible.

One thing I realized is that I was approaching my artefacts from a different angle, I knew forehand the things I was keen to experiment on, after writing my research document, however Joolz explained to me that it is the results of one artefact that are meant to lead you to your next artefact. He said it is fine in knowing what you want to experiment next, although I should be hoping to find out e.g. for my second artefact, how shapes influence the space without being to explicit. Both Joolz and Danny mentioned that my questions were guiding the viewer into making them believe what I wanted too. Danny advised me to restructure my questions in my questionnaire and also look for appropriate images that match the question. He also advised me to use unreal editor when experimenting with my next artefacts.

I learn't that you can't divorce other elements of space whilst looking at another one, Block never privileged any elements, so why should I? I should try and combine all of the elements and so to find out what are the key elements that often make people perceive spaces differently.

Experimenting with my artefacts helped me discover the things that affect what really affects the perception of space when looking at a non virtual environment, in comparison to a real environment. The following things affect one's view of "space".

In tones and textures, there a few things that often affect the appearance of objects whilst looking at them on a two dimensional screen. It is things like;

1. The direction from which the light is coming. (Left, right, above, behind, or below.)

2. The intensity of the light. (Candlelight or sunlight.)

3. The type of light (Light from the setting sun or flash.)

4. Objects standing between the light source and your subject or object. (Light passing through a thin fabric.)

5. The colour and texture of the object. (A fuzzy blanket looks a lot different than a piece of granite.)

Artefact 6

"Movement & Rhythm"

Artefact 5

PERSPECTIVE

Bruce Block argues that “deep space is the illusion of a three-dimensional world on a two dimensional screen surface”. He says that “our ability to fool the audience into thinking there’s depth on the screen comes from our knowledge and use of depth ques”.

Artefact 4 Evaluation

COLOUR

"Arouses feelings in us and we use it to reflect our personality and moods in the decoration of ourselves and our environment".

The aim of this artefact was to use another visual element of art and design 'colour' and examine whether Frederick palmers theory would apply when merging these two different environments. "Arouses feelings in us and we use it to reflect our personality and moods in the decoration of ourselves and our environment". As Frederick palmer argues that colour is probably the visual element to which we initially respond most strongly. I tested this theory by merging a model I created in 3ds max (the virtual environment) and placed it in a image of a 'real world environment'. I wanted to see how 'colours' of a non virtual world differ or are similar to those of a real world environment. My aim was to see if anyone one could detect a distinct difference between the model and the environment. I played around with the adjustments with the auto levels and auto contrasts in Photo Shop and positions of the building, in an attempt to make it look as 'realistic' as possible. Members of my focus group commented on the lighting of my merged building they said that is what made the image not appear to be 'real'.

Artefact 4 Evaluation (Not Final)

The aim of my artefacts is to examine the potential difference of the perception of 3d environments in comparison to a real environment. Whilst writing my research question it occured to me that characteristics of a 3d environment differ from characteristics of a real environment; however both environments do occasionally share and agree on some principals. The aim of this artefact was to use another visual element of art and design 'colour' and examine wether Frederick palmers theory would apply when merging these two different environments.

"Arouses feelings in us and we use it to reflect our personality and moods in the decoration of ourselves and our environment".

As Frederick palmer argues that colour is probably the visual element to which we initially respond most strongly. I tested this theory by merging a model i created in 3ds max (the virtual environment) and placed it in a image of a 'real world environment'. I wanted to see how 'colours' of a non virtual world differ or are similar to those of a real world environment.
I want to see whether there will be a distinct difference between the model and the environment.

I asked my focus group the following questions.

1. What strikes you the most about this image?
2. Does the colour make you percieve the space differently
3. Does placing the building (created in 3ds max), on different positions of the real world environment image make you percieve whole the space differently?
4. What differs between the 5 images i've experimented with? Is there a distinct difference?
5. What strikes you most about the space of the original image?

Members of my focus group commented on the lighting of my merged building they said that is what made the image not appear to be 'real'. The first image from the bottom, where i played around with the auto colour adjustments, was argued to appear the most 'realistic' above all the others.

I think i successfully placed the building in positions that made it blend in with the 'real world image'. I keep in mind the direction of sources of light, therefore the shadows between the merged images would appear as one. Nonetheless i agree with members of my focus group, i think the colours/tones of the real world environment image differs from my virtual building thus making the building appear out of place.

Artefact 3 - Evaluation

TONE

"Tone refers to shading of light and dark on an object"

Frederick Palmer argues that tone maybe use to evoke a sense of space and distance or convey harmony etc. My aim was to find out whether it is true that tone can make people perceive spaces differently and the moods and ideas they communicate to a viewer. How far do tones go out in assisting textures in two dimensional screen surfaces appear believable and of a 3dimensional nature? Bruce Block argues that “the basic visual components are space, line, shape, tone, colour, movement and rhythm. These visual components are found in every picture we see. Actors, locations, props, costumes, and scenery are made up of visual components. A visual component communicates moods, emotions, ideas and most importantly gives visual structure to what we’re watching”.

I modelled a kitchen/ living room environment to demonstrate this. I used architectural and design and textures and lit the environment several different ways.

I then compared it with images of the original kitchen. After questioning my focus group about my artefact, it occurred to me that you cannot fully isolate one depth cue from the rest to get an accurate result. I noticed that visual components or depth cues all interrelate and affect each other. Looking at my test images I noticed that its things like shadows that make an environment appear to have depth. It is the light source that generated the shadows, which made the textures of the environment appear more realistic. Without the light source the textures would be flat and the space of the environment would be perceived differently. Lighting does not only bring about the 'real' textures it also conjures up the mood of the space. The light source of these images was set to be in the evening thus giving the environment a relaxed. Therefore for my fourth artefact I want to test different sources of light and how they can make the viewer perceive an environment differently.

Artefact 4 - Merging of Virtual and Real environments

The aim of this artefact is to see whether there will be a distinct difference between the building i created in a 'virtual environment' and the picture taken of a 'real environment'. I manipulated these images using photo shop. I played around with the adjustments with the auto levels and auto contrasts and positions of the building, in an attempt to make it look as 'realistic' as possible. Has this successfully been achieved? If not, what would you say is making the following images appear 'not real' ?

Playing with the Auto levels

Different position

Try three - I placed the building in a different position

Try two with auto colour adjustment.

Try one with no auto colour adjustment on photo shop.

This the original picture

Artefact 3 - Evaluation ( Not Final )

It is depth cues like movement, rhythm, shape, colour and tone assist us in determining how believable our three-dimensional worlds appear in a two-dimensional screen surface. These are considered some of the crucial elements that make people perceive these spaces differently whilst simultaneously communicating moods, emotions and ideas.

My aim was to find out whether it is true that textures can make people perceive spaces differently and the moods and ideas they communicate to a viewer. How far do textures go out in assisting to make two dimensional screen surfaces appear believable and of a 3dimensional nature. Bruce Block argues that “the basic visual components are space, line, shape, tone, colour, movement and rhythm. These visual components are found in every picture we see. Actors, locations, props, costumes, and scenery are made up of visual components. A visual component communicates moods, emotions, ideas and most importantly gives visual structure to what we’re watching”.

After questioning my focus group about my artefact, it occured to me that you cannot fully isolate one depth cue from the rest to get an accurate result. I noticed that visual components or depth cues all interelate and affect each other. Looking at my test images i noticed that its things like shadows that make an environment appear to have depth. It is the light source that generated the shadows, which made the textures of the environment appear more realistic. Without the light source the textures would be flat and the space of the envrionment would be percieved differently. Lighting does not only bring about the 'real' textures it also conjures up the mood of the space. The light source of these images was set to be in the evenning thus giving the environment a relaxed. Therefore for my fourth artefact i want to test different sources of light and how they can make the viewer percieve an environment differently.

Personal Research Project Abstract

ABSTRACT

This paper examines the potential difference of the perception of 3d environments in comparison to a real environment. Characteristics of a 3d environment differ from characteristics of a real environment; however both environments do occasionally share and agree on some principals. My research goal was to define space and its elements and components. Find out how the perception of space differs in a real world, and live action in comparison to the 3d environments. This will generally focus on comparing a 3d fictional rendition of space to those of a live action rendition of space.

Live Client Project

Yeiiiii ! Almost done with my Live client Project!

Artefact 4 - The Idea

Frederick palmer argues that colour is probably the visual element to which we initially respond most strongly. He says that colour,

"Arouses feelings in us and we use it to reflect our personality and moods in the decoration of ourselves and our environment".

Therefore for this artefact i shall be testing on how the colours of a non virtual world differ or are similar to those of a real world environment. I will do this through merging a building created in a virtual world and placing it in a non virtual environment. I want to see whether there will be a distinct difference between the model and the environment.

Artefact 3 - The Idea

For my Third Artefact I shall analyse one other visual element of art and design TONE.Frederick Palmer argues that tone maybe use to;

— Tone maybe used to create pictorial structure with balanced light and dark

— Convey harmony, or disunity

— Indicate dramatic contrast

— Give illusion of solidarity

— Suggest qualities of light

— Evoke a sense of space and distance

— Compose rhythms across a picture or construction and;

— Pattern areas with positive and negative shapes.

My aim will be to discover on whether Palmers suggestions are true. I shall do this using the previous kitchen environment i had created and experiment on the lighting and see the effect it may have on the viewer, and so compare it with pictures that use tone as a visual element of design, of the original kitchen and how it may change ones perception of space. I think i will take three different snaps at three different times of the day, morning, noon and at night, therefore i shall be able to see the different light sources and how the appear to light the room.

Artefact 2 - Evaluation

TEXTURES

"the visual and tactile surface characteristics of an object"

It occurred to me that for my first artefact I should have experimented on how lines and shapes make people perceive spaces differently, as lines make up shapes.

Frederick Palmer defines texture as “the surface quality of an object, its roughness and smoothness”. The aim of this artefact was to light the environment with different sources of light and see the effects it might have had on the textures and question my focus group on the results. Do the shadows created affect the "realism" of the textures?

What time of the day does this image suggest?

I personally think that in order to get a more accurate representation of the textures in the virtual environment, I should experiment with other sources of light, e.g. sunlight with yellowish sun rays, or indoor lighting. I think the room is quite dim so as to determine the textures. Nonetheless some members of my focus group noticed how the textures where not fully believable. Some surfaces e.g. the ceiling was too glossy and therefore reflective which wouldn’t normally be the case in a non virtual environment. My tutor David mentioned that the kitchen table was too busy and therefore it kind of drew the focus away from the textures, as that is what I was testing. My tutorial group also mentioned that I should have added some lights; natural shadows would have made the kitchen and living room appear slightly more realistic.

Therefore for my next artefact I shall add some lights and test on how tones can affect one’s perception of space in a non virtual environment. I will make the environments less busy, therefore it won’t lead ones eyes of my main subject.

Second Try on Artefact 2

Frederick Palmer defines texture as 'the surface quality of an object, its roughness and smoothness'.

The aim was to light the environment with a natural source of light and see the effects it might have had on the textures.

• Do the shadows created affect the "realism" of the textures?
• What time of the day does this images suggest?

I personally think that in order to get a more accurate representation of the textures in the virtual environment, I should experiment with other sources of light, e.g. sunlight with yellowish sun rays or indoor lighting. I think the room is quite dim so as to determine the textures. What do you think?

Reflcetion on Artefact 2

It occurred to me that I need to improve my second artefact image. Several people noticed how the textures where not fully believable. Some surfaces e.g. the ceiling was to glossy and therefore reflective. My tutor David mentioned that the kitchen table was too busy and therefore it kind of drew the focus away from the textures, as that is what i was testing. My tutorial group also mentioned that I should have added some lights, natural shadows would have made the kitchen and living room appear slightly more realistic.

In order to answer my research question, which is

"Is the perception of space within the 3D Environments the same as that in a Real or Non Virtual Environment."

and in order to be able to get as accurate as possible results I would have to make a few amendments.

Artefact 2

Artefact 1 - Evaluation

LINES

The aim of my first artefact was to understand the visual elements of art and design, which in return will help me understand the visual components of space such as depth cues and the role they may play in determining the perception of space. My task was to analyse one visual element of art and design. I decided to analyse how different lines contribute in the formation of space, therefore influencing ones perception space. I successfully created a questionnaire of images with open ended questions. One section was linked to the book, Visual Elements of Art and Design, Frederick Palmer as he suggests visual designs evoke different interpretations and reactions to a viewer. Vertical lines can indicate strength or perhaps growth. Horizontal lines can indicate calmness and rest. Curves portray smoothness. Diagonals suggest movement. Zigzag and other articulated lines give out a feeling of agitation. The second section was a mixture of 3D rendered images and images of the real environment. Members of my focus group generally agreed with Palmer’s theory. Nonetheless I discovered that analysing lines alone does not fully help in answering my research question, ‘Is the perception of space within the 3D Environments the same as that in a Real or Non virtual Environment?’. It is depth cues like movement, rhythm, shape, colour and tone sound assist us in determining how believable our three-dimensional worlds appear in a two-dimensional screen surface. These are considered some of the crucial elements that make people perceive these spaces differently whilst simultaneously communicating moods, emotions and ideas. For my second Artefact I shall analyse one other visual element of art and design shape, by creating different environments and comparing them to real environments, thus testing how ones perception of space can be influenced by the shapes with in the space.

Live Client Project Blue Prints

I shall be creating a retreat and conference centre for my client Nest Limited Company. They are a Real Estate company based in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania that want visual work done for them for marketing purposes. I finally found the blue prints (had misplaced them) so now i can begin my live client project!

SECOND & THIRD FLOOR PLAN

GROUND FLOOR PLAN

SITE PLAN

LHS ELEVATION

REAR VIEW ELEVATION

CROSS SECTION B-B

LHS ELEVATION

FRONT ELEVATION

ROOF PLAN

FIRST FLOOR PLAN

RECAP

Okay I have honestly been feeling slightly lost whilst doing my first two artefacts. I was not sure if my experiments where directly related or answering the question at all. However after talking to Danny and Joolz, things seemed to get clearer. This is a reminder to myself and a reflection of the conversations I had with them.

Its occurred to me (only after joolz pointed it out )that my first artefact (about lines) and my second one (about shapes) seem, to be obviously related. He said 'lines make up shapes, perhaps you should have done them as one artefact). Nonetheless he said it is good that I'm to define the most important 'things'.

During our conversation I mentioned to Joolz that two out of the four members in my focus group have read some parts of my research project document, they are not experts in the subject nonetheless they now have sufficient knowledge about my area of discussion.

He advised me to make my experiments more complex and create constraints, especially because two members of my focus group understand the topic and could possibly make biased decisions. The constraints will help me get more 'realistic' or less biased answers from them. For example give members of my focus group a time limit e.g 30 seconds to look at my experiment. He then went along and said, it is good that two members have an understanding of the research document, therefore the two members can be my 'placebo'. Don't give your focus group guidance and only answer questions when asked. I will carry out my coming artefacts as advised. I will also track the answers from my placebo group and the non placebo and compare the difference and similarities in their answers and asses the placebo effect.

He also suggested that "awareness of space is provoked by other visual elements of space". For example." Limited space is the same as deep space without depth cues, it is movement that joins the two". He asked me to think about how other elements help define the space.

One thing I realized is that I was approaching my artefacts from a different angle, I knew forehand the things I was keen to experiment on, after writing my research document, however Joolz explained to me that it is the results of one artefact that are meant to lead you to your next artefact. He said it is fine in knowing what you want to experiment next, although I should be hoping to find out e.g. for my second artefact, how shapes influence the space without being to explicit. Both Joolz and Danny mentioned that my questions were guiding the viewer into making them believe what I wanted too.

Danny advised me to restructure my questions in my questionnaire and also look for appropriate images that matches the question. He also advised me to use unreal editor when experimenting with my next artefacts.

Note to self : You can't divorce other elements of space whilst looking at another one, Block never privileged any elements, so why should I? I should try and combine all of the elements and so to find out what are the key elements that often make people perceive spaces differently.

Tutors want to know what the experiment is and why have I done it?

PROBLEM!

Okay all my research for my third artefact is in my flash disk and I cant get it to open up!!!!!!!! I am extremely frustrated right now. So now I have to re write my second artefact evaluation and my third!!!!!!

ARTEFACT 2 - THE IDEA

After interviewing members of my focus group, It occurred to me that the visual element of art and design ‘lines’, acts as a foundation in both the perception of space in 3D environments, as well as a real or none virtual environment. It is depth cues like movement, rhythm, shape, colour and tone sound assist us in determining how believable our three-dimensional worlds appear in a two-dimensional screen surface. These are considered some of the crucial elements that make people perceive these spaces differently whilst simultaneously communicating moods, emotions and ideas. Therefore, for my second Artefact I shall analyse one other visual element of art and design SHAPE.

I am hoping to discover how the visual element of art and design, shape can affect ones perception of space. I shall still be referring to the book Visual Elements of Art and Design by Frederick Palmer, and the justifications he makes about shapes. He argues that “shape may be used by artists and designers to manipulate the spectator’s response to an image or construction”.
His book suggests that;
‘Squares and rectangles are associated with stability’
‘Circles and curved shapes suggest movement and continuity’
‘Triangles can lead the eye in upward movement; but
‘Inverted triangles tend to give a sensation of imbalance and tension’

My aim is to find out whether it is true that shapes can make people perceive spaces differently and the moods and ideas they communicate to a viewer. I intend on finding out how far shapes go out in assisting to make two dimensional screen surfaces appear believable and of a 3dimensional nature. I am to interview members of my focus group, and ask them open ended questions, based on images that consist of several types of shapes and record the response of members in my focus group of each type of shape. I will also create two rooms, one with depth cues, and the other with none and see how the perception of space will differ from the other. With this interview I shall also be able to find out on whether Palmers suggestions of space are fully agreeable. This will lead me to my next artefact. I am not expecting a common occurring answer or pattern in their answers, however I think rectangles and squares as shapes will be the most common depth cue which will drastically change ones perception of space.

Factors of Perception - GESTALT THEORY

I've been doing research on several aspects of perception of space. I came across and lecture we had we Roma Patel during my second year. I found some of the things she mentioned quite interesting and will be useful to consider while doing my artefacts.

Factors of Perception based on the Gestalt Theory is useful when composing images

"The sum of the whole is greater than its parts"
"The basic thesis of gestalt theory might be formulated thus: there are contexts in which what is happening in the whole cannot be deduced from the characteristics of the separate pieces, but conversely; what happens to a part of the whole is, in clear cut cases, determined by the laws of the inner structure of its whole."
Max Wertheimer, Gestalt theory. Social Research, 11 (translation of lecture at the Kant Society, Berlin, 1924).
Gestalt Theory
•Proximity
•Similarity
•Direction/movement
•Closure & sliding planes
•Figure & Ground

Aren't these some of the factors that influence the way a viewer perceives a space?

Proximity Proximity is a factor in the organisation of an image which causes forms or element to
relate to each other as a result of their location. Generally the closer the forms are to each other, the greater the tension pull between them. This tension causes the object
to organise into a larger whole.


Similarity
Our eyes have a tendency to group objects involuntarily. Designers learn to impose a grouping in the way they organise materials. These similar factors may involve line, shape, weight, colour, size, direction.

Direction/movement
Continuance describes a device for directing the viewer's attention when looking at a composition. It is based on the idea that once you start looking in a particular direction you will continue looking in that direction until you see something significant. Most shapes or line has an inherent movement or direction.

Cataract, Bridget Riley

ARTEFACT 1 - THE IDEA

For my artefacts I have decided to find out what cues are use to differentiate the real world to the virtual world. The physical nature of the screen is strictly 2dimensional however the real world we live in is 3dimensional having height, width and depth. The challenge is to portray a 3dimensional world on a two dimensional screen surface and have it look believable.

In order to achieve this, we need to understand the visual components of space. Therefore during the series of my artefacts I shall explore the four basic types of space.

1. Deep Space
2. Flat Space
3. Limited Space
4. Ambiguous Space

For this first artefact I will analyse one visual element of art and design , and how it contributes in the formation of deep space which therefore then influence’s us on how one might perceive space. For this artefact I shall concentrate on lines as it is an assisting factor in the formation of depth cues.

“Lines is a means of communication rather than a natural phenomenon, a device we use to describe what we see, a means by which we convey our reactions both reality and concept and an element with which we express our thoughts and feelings” ( P7 Visual elements)

My aim is to understand the visual elements of space, which in return will help me understand the visual components of space and the role they play in determining the perception of space such as artificial depth cues can be used to differentiate a 3D environment rendered image in comparison to a ‘real’ environment.

In the book, Visual Elements of Art and Design, Frederick Palmer suggests that often a visual design such as a line can evoke different interpretations and reactions to a viewer. He says that;

Vertical lines can indicate strength or perhaps growth.

Horizontal lines can indicate calmness and rest.

Curves portray smoothness

Diagonals suggest movement.

Zigzag and other articulated lines give out a feeling of agitation.

Therefore I intend to create a questionnaire of images that reflect the 5 styles of representing lines and depth cues and therefore see whether those images will reflect on Palmer’s analysis on lines and what they can indicate. My objective is to ask members of my focus group to state what each image indicates to them, from the selected answers I provide them. Some questions will have no options and thus they shall have to answer from personal opinion.

From my questionnaire I am expecting to find out the most common style of line and how each line styles affect their perception of space and why. This will lead me to my next artefact. I am not expecting a common occurring answer or pattern.

Understanding My First Artefact

Bruce Block argues that there are three things that make up the components of visual space. The first one being, “the physical space in front of the camera we’re shooting. The second one being the difference between the actual space where we shoot and the same space as it appears on a screen”, this perception can be described as the physiological element of space. Lastly the characteristics of the screen where we watch our pictures”, this element of perception can fall into psychological.

Block further states that “the basic visual components are space, line, shape, tone, colour, movement and rhythm. These visual components are found in every picture we see. Actors, locations, props, costumes, and scenery are made up of visual components. A visual component communicates moods, emotions, ideas and most importantly gives visual structure to what we’re watching”.