In previous experiments I completely missed out on the morphing functionality provided by the library and just after some quick testing of available surfaces I came up with some quite interesting forms and results. Combinations of two surfaces – a 1st more complex like a Tranguloid Trefoil and more simple counterparts (i.e. Spheres) turned out to be a valuable source and basis for further sketching.

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Current versions and prototypes are combining rotation and scaling as well as growth-like animations using the underlying mathematical structures (see Paul Bourke) and qualities of certain surfaces.

While still being impressed by the aesthetic value of generated forms and artfully arranged elements, I’m already thinking about using underlying procedures and algorithms for more applied usage in upcoming projects.

See more stills of created generative forms at Flickr.

Java & Processing

• NetUtil OSC Library for Java Compact and efficient java library for sending and receiving messages using the OpenSound Control (OSC) protocol
• MaxLink Java libraries enabling communication between Processing (Java) and Max/MSP (made quite good experiences connecting Java applications with Max (4.x & 5) patches. Recommended!)
• oscP5 OSC implementation for the programming environment Processing
• OSC communication between Max and Processing (triggered by Midi controller) Tutorial by Ash Oakenfold

Mobile (input) Devices

• Mrmr for the iPhone/iPod Touch mrmr is an open-source research project to develop a standardized set of protocols and syntax conventions to control live installations and multimedia performances via mobile devices (demo video on youtube)
• TouchOSC iPhone / iPod Touch application that lets you send and receive Open Sound Control messages
• OSCemote Remote control application for the iPhone and iPod Touch (check the examples)
• OSCulator Another software linking controllers to music and video software
• oscpack Set of C++ classes for packing and unpacking OSC packets

Misc.

• OSC-tagged bookmarks at delicious.com
• OpenSound Control Home Page University of California, Berkeley
• opensoundcontrol.org Center For New Music and Audio Technology (CNMAT), UC Berkeley
• LusidOSC Open source initiative to define and support a layer for unique spatial input devices using OpenSound Control

If you like to recommend projects or resources that are not listed below, drop a comment. Any recommendations and helpful hints are much appreciated.

Initial Situation

The existing website was mostly outdated and far behind what one would call an appropriate outlet for a company with such a high demand for professionalism and unique solutions. A prolific and lively process, involving the client and a small network of marketing heads and developers, provided a sound basis for relaunching the corporate website and introducing the new corporate design.

Shot of paper work and prototyping / wireframing process

Content Architecture

Main goal was to reorganize and sort a wide range of available products and services, while creating navigation structures and tools to make this huge ammount of content accessible and tangible for the sites audience. Considering existing design guidelines, Pro Video’s business divisions Broadcast and Conference Technology where re-introduced and provided the basic framework for the sites content architecture and navigation concept.

The front page features a dynamic flash application and a layout characterised by catching simplicity and clarity

Interface & Screen Design

Much of the early stages of this project where spent on creating rough sketches of possible walk-throughs, flows and usage scenarios that could affect the final interface and design. This paper work was a solid basis for developing first visual prototypes in form of detailed wireframes.

Referring to the following process of testing and examining important accessibility, usability and branding aspects – final content modules and elements where elaborated and refined. After further iterations of previously developed prototypes and strongly focussed on visual language, typography and layout, a coherent interface covered by a reduced, yet emotive design was created. (relaunch date still to be announced)

Collapsible sitemap element placed below the main navigation for quick content access and overview

Consistent design and coherent identification of Pro Video’s (main) business divisions Broadcast and Conference Technology

The various artists compilation was released on both – the main label Sushitech, as well as on it’s “Purple” subdivision and while a coherent look and feel was the main target, both records where meant to feature their own unique style and appearance.

While the Sushitech sleeve is covered by ‘classic’ typography and digital, yet organic line compositions (meticulously drawn using a graphic tablet) – the 2nd part features the more analogue and handcrafted design. Hand-drawn and scanned type for title and tracklistings are melting seamlessly into overprinted two-tone layers of separated paper textures, while overall coloring and typographic background is continuing the line of the first part.

Another aspect is the reversible sleeve concept, which gives a more fluid feel to the single record, but also enables multiple ways to organize both records/sleeves to each other.

More high-res photos are available at Flickr.

Logo * construction details

Color Palette & Typography

Excerpt of identity presentation & design guidelines

Screen Design

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The vinyl artworks showcased here are featuring graphic forms based on simple geometric shapes arranged by fractal patterns. Underlying algorhythms (see Fractal And Lindenmeyer Systems) are forming the generative compositions.

Software behind was built with Processing

More high-res photos and stills can be found at Flickr.

Based on Paul Bourke’s Mathematical Shell (created in May 1989) a stripped down generative form was developed, more supposed to be a supplementing design element rather than a sign to shape the labels visual identity. In a second step a reduced logotype based on classy Helvetica lettering was created to form a contrast to the round and seamlessly flowing generative shapes. The creation process behind was following grid-based rules and a concept of steady reduction and simplification to form an abstract, yet memorable Logo.

Cautious and systematic reduction and transformation of classic Helvetica lettering

Both elements of the labels identity are based on cautious deconstruction and simplification of underlying structures and original forms to create a unique visual representation. Various aspects of music production and the labels output (i.e. iteration, patterns, rhythm and changes in tempo) where working as reference points and influencing factors during the design process.

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Logotype and generative form where introduced through the labels first vinyl record releases and continuously implemented in various digital and print media.

Main task was to analyze and rethink the existing website’s structure and to develop a new approach of making available contents more accessible while improving the sites usability. In a second step the look & feel got a complete overhaul based on already created prototypes and the magazines’ given style guidelines.

Exemplary screens illustrating the wireframing process

Front page featuring modular layout and maximum flexibility in design for various forms of magazine content

The new “magazine” – core feature and interface for browsing available contents chronologically, by popularity or content type

Huge variety of (content-) page types underlining the flexibility of the design solution

Individual landing pages and marketing tools gained special focus during concept and design process

July 2008

• Nicola Ratti – From The Desert Came Saltwater . Anticipate 2008
• The Remote Viewer – I Can’t Believe Its Not Better . Mobeer 2008
• Grouper – Dragging A Dead Deer Up A Hill . Type Records 2008
• Byetone – Death Of A Typographer . Raster Noton 2008
• Giardini Di Mirò – Dividing Opinions . 2nd Rec 2008
• Sawako – Madoromi . Anticipate Recordings 2007 • Troncolon.com
• Scanner – Lost Without Light . Underscan Records 2002
• Mika Vainio – In The Land Of The Blind One-Eyed Is King . Touch 2003
• Radian – Rec.Extern . Thrill Jockey 2002

* AOCALBOR = And Of Course A Little Bit Of Rock

After playing around with my new ‘toy’ for a while, I was really impressed by the compelling aesthetic of my “human random” drawings and started thinking about a software that uses the movement of the pen and resulting gestures as input for generative and/or interactive bezier and shape compositions. What might sound as a simple drawing tool at the first glance is meant to be an environment for hand-drawn forms and structures that manipulate and extend itself over time – driven by the gestures made during it’s creation.

This rough concept/idea may sound a bit confusing or abstruse in the beginning, but could become an interesting basis for further experiments. The handdrawn sketches illustrating this post are displaying the intended aesthetic quite well and should give a first visual impression of the idea outlined above.

Listed below you’ll find a list of online ressources that crossed my way during a first research for Gesture & Gesture Recognition (Any recommendations are welcome):

Theory

• A Brief Overview of Gesture Recognition by Charles Cohen
• Gesture Based Interaction (Pdf) by Bill Buxton
• Gesture recognition from Wikipedia
• A Gesture Recognition Review – Compendium of references

Code & Programming

• ezGestures Library for Processing by Elie Zananiri
• iGesture Framework for Pen and Mouse-based Gesture Recognition (free Java-based gesture recognition framework)

Misc.

• Gesture Shmesture via Robotacid.com