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In
the spring of 2002 and 2003, Pan-O-matic conducted a series of
focus group studies to find out what consumers really wanted. A
Rorschach test was developed using images from online stock photo
databanks and 3D wire frame models from the product design industry.
The stock photo images were downloaded using queries based on age,
gender, race and ethnicity. These photographic images of individuals
in their everyday environment were then composited with the 3D
wire frame models to create a new visual narrative. The composites
were used in the Rorschach tests. Participants were asked to pretend
they were a product developer and to describe the narrative. How
would this new product enhance one’s lifestyle? Responses were recorded
and made available to the general public through a listening “lounge”.
The installation provided comfortable lounge chairs and headsets.
Audio responses played on a continuous loop while the composited
images, set on a random cycle, were projected overhead on the walls.
Pedestrians were also able to access the projected images as well
as view the inside listeners through a large storefront window.
In
2004, Pan-O-matic produced the short video "Today, Tomorrow, Everyday".
Based on research from the previous study, the video reflects
on the spectacle of useless technologies as ambiguous and absurd "devices" are
inserted into the daily narratives of everyday people.
"Today, Tomorrow, Everyday" (4.7 mb Quicktime
movie)
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