We are addressing one of Manovich's ideas of creating narrative trails
through databases (online collections) through our work on the FP7-funded
PATHS project, which some of you may find interesting. In our first
prototype we provided tools for creating linear trails, and in the second
one about to be evaluated, we offer tools which support branching, and
potentially multiple routes through. The paths/trails can be created by
end-users, or curated by professionals, and we are also researching
techniques for automatically-generated trails. Demos and opportunities to
participate in field trials will be forthcoming, but in the meantime,
please feel to get in touch if you'd like to know more.
Paula
University of Sheffield
PATHS Project
www.paths-project.eu
On 7 June 2013 10:13, Mike Ellis <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
> The hyperlink is surely at its heart a totally non-linear means of
> navigating anything? I mean, that's the whole point of a hyperlink, no?
>
> Back in the early days we talked about how we'd "lose" people from "our
> site" if we linked to them. Nowadays (I hope) we've realised that people
> will do that anyway if our stuff isn't good enough. It's in the nature of
> the way the web works. Long stretches of narrative that *don't* have links
> - whether internal or external - feel weird.
>
> Seems to me that the immersive experiences offer links (= non linear
> routes) but you tend to stick with the narrative because you're engrossed.
> Reading a blindingly good article on X website you'll be surrounded by ads,
> navigational links, in-article links to Wikipedia - but if the content is
> great you filter all that out.
>
> …forgot what the original point was. Ah yeah - I think there are endless
> amazing examples of digital "works of art" (to use Robert's phrase) out
> there - it's just a bit of a dangerous trap to think that these experiences
> should somehow be linear or "within one digital space" in order to be a
> work of art.
>
> Mike
>
>
> _____________________________
>
>
> Mike Ellis
>
> Thirty8 Digital: a small but perfectly formed digital agency:
> http://thirty8.co.uk
>
> * My book: http://heritageweb.co.uk *
>
>
>
>
> On 7 Jun 2013, at 09:55, "Bonewell, Perry" <[log in to unmask]>
> wrote:
>
> > I guess the challenge is to provide content with a structure that is
> reactive to specific contexts. Is the problem then about how to maintain
> the narrative flow so it continues to make sense as the user changes course?
> >
> > Like a DJ.
> >
> > A DJ will pick up on the audience response and keep a flow going (
> either on the rhythm, theme or versions ) until they either decide to shift
> the mood or the audience specifically requests something different.
> >
> > Why not a content DJ? A system that can either deliver content
> automatically along a theme or path that the user is interested in but can
> seamlessly shift to a new thematic path when the user desires it.
> >
> > Maybe there is a layer of metadata missing - meta metadata ( meta DJ? )
> - required to make that sort of experience possible.
> >
> > Sorry - that was pretty obtuse.
> >
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: Museums Computer Group [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of
> Peter Pavement
> > Sent: 06 June 2013 18:13
> > To: [log in to unmask]
> > Subject: Re: Digital Trends in Museums 2013 presentation
> >
> > This discussion reminds me of the database (as symbolic form) vs
> narrative ideas of Lev Manovich and co with their new media theories. It
> always struck me that it's possible to have hybrids - narrative runs within
> a database form.
> >
> > Interestingly, when offset litho printing made coffee table books
> possible (most notably pioneered by developing a close collaboration of
> authors, typesetters, photographers, graphic designers and printers at
> Thames & Hudson in the 1950s), similar discussions about the place of
> narrative and random access of images/information appeared in the press.
> >
> > Best regards
> >
> > Peter Pavement
> >
> >
> >
> > On 6 Jun 2013, at 17:33, Bud Robert <[log in to unmask]>
> wrote:
> >
> >> Dear Nick
> >>
> >> I entirely agree with the argument that the linearity of the digital is
> different from that of books. However I would suggest that there is an
> opportunity exists to create semi-linear products which share key
> characteristics with museum exhibits.
> >>
> >> The user of the digital narrative will follow short sections of
> narrative before then branching off in some cross-linked direction. That is
> actually quite similar to the museum visitor who follows a short run of
> cases before something else catches the eye. That gives the museum curator
> a role not just as a resource provider but also as a narrator with
> expertise in a style of story-telling which others lack. One day we will be
> able just to put out the goodies. My experience is that without the
> wonderful precedents that the Museums could generate, others will fail to
> use the virtual materials just as they have failed to use many genres of
> physical material.
> >>
> >> Robert
> >>
> >> Dr Robert Bud
> >> Sarton Professor, 2012-2013, University of Ghent Keeper of Science and
> >> Medicine The Science Museum, Exhibition Road, London SW7 2DD
> >>
> >> ________________________________
> >>
> >> From: Museums Computer Group on behalf of Nick Poole
> >> Sent: Thu 06/06/2013 16:12
> >> To: [log in to unmask]
> >> Subject: Re: Digital Trends in Museums 2013 presentation
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >> Dear Robert,
> >>
> >> Many thanks for your response. As ever, you raise a very useful and
> interesting point!
> >>
> >> To me, the greatest strength of digital content is also one of its
> >> most significant challenges - which is its essential non-linearity.
> >> The power of
> >
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--
Paula Goodale
Research Assistant - PATHS Project
The Information School
University of Sheffield
*Times Higher Education University of the Year*
email: [log in to unmask]
skype: paula.goodale
web: www.paths-project.eu
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