informal dialogue

Here’s a simple example for connecting a PhidgetInterfaceKit 8/8/8 to a computer, using Processing.
You will need to download the phidget21.jar package from the phidgets website, find it in the ‘Programming’ section in the java examples section.  Once downloaded, just use Sketch>Add File… to add the file to your sketch.  Connect via USB and you’re ready [...]

I’m currently preparing for a short piece of processing tutoring in the Bachelor of Architecture course, commencing tomorrow.  The course is a 1st year construction subject, in which the year group is designing modular structures from found objects (read; whatever they can find in large amounts at Reverse Garbage), with a  12-15 unsuspecting students are [...]

Linked below are some early results from a new series of sketches I’ve been working on using Processing.  These sketches continue in a long line of projects I’ve completed recently using simple camera tracking algorithms to infer interesting patterns of movement in urban spaces.
The first example is a calibrated blob tracking experiment, using the excellent [...]

In addition to my involvement with the janus project for the Smart Light Sydney Festival, Joanne Jakovich and I were invited to collaborate with the NSW Department of Planning in an ambitious short term project during the festival.  The Department of Planning, along with Metropolis and D-City had the initiative to setup a small amount [...]

Sorry, that should have read; wireless data which does or doesn’t want to behave predicably.
Any comments/suggestions are welcome!

The Street as platform – a street rendered in data.
November has been a busy month!
Along with Anthony Burke, Dan Hill and Mitchell Whitelaw, I’ve been running an intensive masterclass studio in the Master of Digital Architecture program at UTS.  The masterclass is based on one of Dan’s earlier posts called http://www.cityofsound.com/blog/2008/02/the-street-as-p.html, in which the notion [...]

pixelTag is an experimental working prototype for creating digital art using hand-held devices and radio signals.
The current pixelTag prototype uses the Nintendo Wii remote controller, in conjunction with Osculator and Max/Msp.  The prototype generates pixel graphics in real time,  based on x/y/z motion information sent to Max by the Wii remote.  The prototype has the [...]

Here’s the latest update from the Real Perspective show at TAP Gallery.

‘pixeltag’ (2008). from Jason McDermott on Vimeo.
Wicked!

The interface only exists between a body and it’s environment.
Come to this place and see that we are outsiders, foreigners in a new land‚ naive and blissfully innocent of this place.   We seek to make a connection, an understanding, to learn from the city by touch and by feel.  By striking, pulling and tearing.  Each [...]

The pixeltag project has progressed once again;
* the interface has been amended slightly to allow for yaw input (not just roll) as the ‘x’ axis data,
* the ‘cursor’ item has been implemented, allowing the user to see where they are about to draw prior to doing so,
* The up/down ratios have been adjusted to allow [...]