Group Observation and Project Brainstorming

Observations:
This weekend we went to a show at a piano bar downtown.

Person/person observations:

• Performers are afforded social liberties that aren't acceptable in most social situations but that are encouraged when onstage
• Even when onstage, non-performers (volunteers, etc) are reluctant to take advantage of these social exceptions and are generally reluctant to take part in activities that might be considered unacceptable offstage
• People are generally more comfortable acting out in groups
• Peer pressure is an extremely strong tool in encouraging people to do things that they normally wouldn't

Person/environment observations:

• Raising a space even just a few feet above the rest of a room (a stage) creates a focal point and can change the rules of social interaction and people's behavior
• People seem to be more comfortable doing things in darker lighting

Person/machinery observations:

• The conventional way to interact with a piano is to tap the keys while sitting. We observed playing backwards, sitting on the keys, laying on top of the piano and playing, and multiple people switching between pianos. Basically, the piano was used both as an instrument and a separate tool for entertainment.
• The microphones were generally used for their intentional purposes
• The music was enhanced by a lighting show that involved someone in a lighting book timing different sets of lights to different beats
• The largest amp was used both musically and as a place to stand

Brainstorming:
Some of our current ideas include:

• A wall with LED's and motion sensors embedded on one side; the LEDs glow only when a person is standing in front of them.
• A graphite maze that shorts when the user touches the walls
• Water clock