record – LABS

Thesis Info

LABS ID: 00046

Thesis Title: Internal Networks: Telepathy Meets Technology in the Dream Pod

Author: Camille Baker

E-mail: cbaker AT sfu.ca

2nd Author

3rd Author

Degree: Master of Applied Science, Interactive Arts

Year

Number of Pages

University: SIMON FRASER UNIVERSITY, Burnaby, BC CANADA

Thesis Supervisor: Dr. Susan Kozel

Supervisor e-mail

Other Supervisor(s): Ron Wakkary, Diane Gromala (External)

Language(s) of Thesis: English

Department / Discipline: School Of Interactive Arts and Technology

Languages Familiar to Author: English

URL where full thesis can be found: www.sfu.ca/~ccbaker/webspace/thesis_journal.html

Keywords: telepathy, embodiment, biosensors control, altered states of consciousness, media installation.

Abstract: 200-500 words: This research project encompassed a media installation space and a written document, exploring the concept of initiating a mind/body to computer communication interaction, using a non-local portal environment as the interface. The concepts play at the boundaries of conventional science, in terms of human versus computer capabilities, suggesting the potential for these capabilities to work in tandem, through means still not widely accepted. I explore recent findings in physics, psychology and neuroscience, coupling them with developments in human computer interaction, wireless communication and other technologies, to envision an experiential means of connecting human consciousness with technology systems. This research incorporated biosensors, multimedia, yoga, meditation and attempts at telepathy within an experiential media installation, an immersive physical space or pod, positioning this work as bridge between art and technology. My goal with this installation was to put the creative agency into the mind and body of the participant, seeing myself as a creative facilitator, focussing my role as the experience designer not an artist per se. The Dream Pod project pushes beyond purely superficial design or meaningless interactivity, as I employ as many methods available to provide a fully embodied experience. I have challenged myself as an experience designer to tap into a deeper level of human experience, diving into what it means to be an embodied participant, exploring physical and emotional responses. With this project, I suggest that we look within our embodied cognitive system to learn more about what we have innately and continue to use technology as a tool, to be used to aid in the rediscovery of ourselves and the power of our own body/minds. I offer my dream pod as the beginning of that rediscovery.In future iterations, I hope to refine this prototype installation using discoveries learned with this version to make it a more powerful interactive work. Each discovery from this project could branch off into many diverse directions, with equally fascinating outcomes, only introduced here. This is just the beginning of potentialities in this area, and perhaps, the seeds of a PHD project for the future.