iMuse: Dialogue with Your Muse
/ Initiative
Human creative capacity is so fascinating, just to see what people are able to imagine, create and innovate. However, the other aspect of creativity could be rather distracting. For people who work in the creative field, such as writers, artists, musicians, and designers, there is this fear of not being able to produce great work or become successful, furthermore, some people have problem dealing with their creative mind which sometimes result in serious self-destruction. I believe that there is space for design to make an impact on complementing the making and learning experience in human creative process.
/ Description
This project originated from an ancient Roman myth that people used to believe that creativity was not embodied in human being but existed in some remote spirit that would come to your side and tell you what to do. As a designer, I was intrigued in this imaginary space between the person and his/ her own muse, and wanted to leverage the narra- tive of the myth to design interactions between the two. The project focused on creating dialogue with a personified muse through everyday objects. The muse not only plays the role as a creative outlet, but also an advisor, a listener, and a friend.
The Stethoscope
Consult your muse for diagnose. The stethoscope delivers your heartbeat to the muse, and later prints out a prescription with advice for your current circumstances.
The Bookshelf
The muse passes wisdom to you through books. On the bookshelf there are different sizes of books made with stack of e-paper, which are able to download new content. Whenever your muse feels like passing you the knowledge or wisdom, he or she will deliver the book onto the bookshelf with a special note. The glowing cover and spine are the soft whisper from the muse which create a new mode of dialogue.
The Phone
Leave a message to the muse. Your muse is not around and you need to talk. Dial the bluetooth headset and leave your frustration, struggle, thoughts or anxiety in the messages.
The Chair
Have a seat, and wait for your muse to arrive. The pair of chairs creates the aura of initiating dialogue between you and the muse. It serves the emotional needs and encourages patience, hope and believe.
Personified Your Muse
Create your preference list to customize your own experience with iMuse.
/ Things I Have Learned
By following the constraint of creating a network of things, I intentionally assigned each object a specific function and an unique way of communication. The tactic resulted in very power outcome that each object has its own way of living, and each object has existed beyond itself and becomes part of the mythical narrative.
People tend to link tangible objects with memories and emotion, in addition, we identify and personify objects. I think it would be important to learn about "the society of mind" when designing interactions as an approach to further understand human in order to create more meaning. I also think that in the future, there will be more single-task specific products instead of all-in-one computing machines.
/ Future Directions
The Bespoke iMuse