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https://first-latency-df1.notion.site/Next-Caroline-1-1-9d4d41b3055e426c9a6a431ef4a23e74

Hi all!

Just finished up my 6th peer group meeting with Beth! The meeting was just me and Beth and overall everything went well! I updated Beth on where I was in the process and we had a long conversation about what the interview process was like with my grandparents.

We then began discussing what my next steps were for my thesis process, and then we went over my reflections from the feedback speed session from class which I thought was really helpful! Overall we had a really great time! 🙂

That’s all for now!

Until Next Time 🙂

This is my first cardboard prototype of the camera portion of my project. It actually turned out better than I expected. I used a laser printer to cut out the pieces, and put a mirror inside to reflect wha the top lens displays. There are some places to improve for the next iteration, but I’m excited having something real in my hands.

Last meeting of the full cohort. Coming to terms with certain stressors outside of the program are impact my ability to keep up with the emails, as I put my slide together as we were presenting rather than before. I need to put some boundaries up in my life so I can focus better on the program this last month of spring semester and through the summer semester.

I had questions about whether I should be working on my build or my slide deck and got clarity that build is the priority and slide deck can happen in Shanghai. I feel like I’m making good progress on my prototypes and testing and that my focus is really coalescing around theta work, and not the other states I spontaneously experienced during my 2019 tour (like ecstasy). I’ve made appointments at the MARL lab for 2 rehearsals and my final performance on May 11, 4-7pm. Working on that sound kit directly and considering ways to utilize the 50 speaker spatial sound in that room.

Reflecting on the Time class and how much I enjoy it, and perhaps it would have been easier to do in the first half of the semester when more topics were being explored, then have 50 days of making the second half, which could directly support daily thesis work.

Second format chat with Marina, covered some of the updates of my project (sound baths, theta soundscapes, avoiding triggering beta stimulation. Discussed the presentation of my project and the feedback I got from Zoe and Kat, and how to make my work more accessible. The idea of 2 decks came up, one for beginners / public and one for superusers / meditators / neuroscientists / psychonauts. We ended with a frank, useful conversation with how I present (meaning, what associations do people have about me based on how I talk, how I look, what I wear, my tone, etc…) and how to be cognizant that the decisions I make impacts the context which my work is presented. Spoke some about my past, and dangerous environments I grew up in that led to me feeling safer and more comfortable with being in my imagination, in my head, in meditation, and how that preference has led to this work.

Discussed:

• specifics of my theta soundscape mapping, avoiding Beta triggers
• subjective reporting of soundbath attendees
• role of distraction in meditation experiences
• concern with using the word “dream” and what term can be used to accurately describe Theta. “hypnotic” also has it’s associations and limitations
• usefulness of system in neurotherapy and PTSD treatment
• Womb sounds, the audio level of blood flow for the fetus is like a motorcycle engine
• Conor at BCI
• Can people use system without me?
• Feeling of synchrony may happen after the soundbath or synchrony experience

https://www.notion.so/jasonjsnell/2023-04-18-Dan-O-Sullivan-7878058a4e2b4cefa7cfd487fde32b5d?pvs=4

April 7, Had a longer talk (45min) with Jon to make up for the wifi issue we had last time.

Need to think through these questions:

Are they comfortable of immersive experience? Why at home? Can’t it just be at a community center? Perhaps, in the survey, need to document their desire (home/lobby/park/mall/etc.). Think about accessibility and usability.

The design methodology I’m implementing: HCD methodology – 3Ps (Pause, Pivot, Persist).

Regarding the survey, first use my own network & social to spread out and if more data is needed, try contacting the professional resource. For the prototype, try to set up at school first, and let your classmates experience & imagine the setting (to be where and used by whom). Video-document it.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1LQE9-6xg_vnsRtBNe5nPDfLIhCISDVXc6wYHEtXYsHw/edit?usp=sharing

I had a meeting with Sarah to clarify some thesis requirements. I initially thought my topic was “open source,” but in reality, I wanted to explore my “personal feelings about coding.” So I asked Sarah if I could tweak the thesis topic. Additionally, since it’s based on personal experience, I wondered what kind of research I should conduct and what level of work would be sufficient for a thesis.

Sarah didn’t think it was a problem to tweak the topic. Regarding research, she said that finding similar artworks, figuring out the logic and mechanisms for building the installation are all considered research. The only requirement was the actual creation process. She advised me to let the making process guide myself.

Although Sarah answered my question, the most valuable piece of advice I received was “honesty.” It’s my thesis, so as long as I’m honest with myself, I can determine the work and direction. I initially misunderstood the thesis concept. I thought I had to set the goal or the big question at the beginning and couldn’t change it. But now, I realize it’s a process that allows me to explore. During this process, I can change directions and clarify the thesis as I go, instead of setting the goal right from the start. (Some people may be able to define their direction from the start, but not me.)

Once again, the making process is all I need at this stage.

For those who want some context on what I’m tweaking for my thesis, I’ve included the Miro link here: https://miro.com/app/board/uXjVMbW0LNQ=/?moveToWidget=3458764551845883356&cot=14

It’s like two circles: My feelings about coding vs. Open Source. While there are some overlaps, I want to focus on my feelings first. I’ll touch on Open Source in the future.

As for my current prototype, it’s an odor machine that represents a code smell.

Right after talking with Sarah, I had some thoughts about my feelings towards coding: in the context of the AI era, my code taste is like a nostalgia for handicrafts during the industrial age. What I’m doing can be considered a pre-AI era human archive. Will I have other thoughts in the next few days? Perhaps. I’ll let the making process and conversations guide me.

https://first-latency-df1.notion.site/Sarah-Sze-Exhibit-Visit-28533c3ff97845ec9b329ed58999d6d7