Five Steps in Stage 1 of the ‘Viral Making’ Project

Stage 1: This is a model exchange process, we share digital 3D models with each other (existing models or new creations), this stage is a more independent process and we work through 3D modelling software that we are most familiar with. (Such as, for myself is Rhino, and for Jo Grasshopper.) We also gave feedback on each other’s models at this stage.

This stage is subdivided into five steps:

Step 1: Exchange of the original model

Step 2: Modification of the original model (independent process) and process journal creation

Step 3: Exchange of modified models and process journals

Step 4: Creation of reflection journals by reviewing the modified model and process journals

Step 5: Exchange of reflection journals

Stage 2: The stage is a co-working process, we modify the same model at the same time through Fologram – a platform that is based on the VR technique, we can make changes to the same models at the same time through the use of Rhino and Fologram. We also communicate and give feedback to each other at the same time through online meeting apps.

In Stage 2, we developed a collaboration method based on the online meeting app (zoom) and Fologram (on mobile devices). During the collaboration, both collaborators set up a working environment including a mobile port (iPhone, iPad), a computer port (laptops) and a real-life port (real-life working environments including mannequin) to work simultaneously and communicate in real-time via online meeting:

Computer: To use 3D modelling software (Rhino, Grasshopper) and connect to mobile devices (iPad). Based on interaction with the real-life environment, modify models through 3D modelling software and synchronise changes of the model between computer port and mobile port. The computer port is also used for online meetings, providing the ability for both collaborators to communicate in real-time and work together based on screen sharing.

Additional Computer: To implement sharing and working in tandem with collaborators through the Miro board. And to be the temporary replacement of the computer side for real-time communication through online meetings in case of network limitations.

Real-Life Port (Mannequin): Human-size mannequins in real life environment, to interact with 3D models through the Fologram platform on a mobile device (iPad).

Mobile Device (iPad): Connects to the computer port, synchronises the changes of the model in the modelling software (Rhino and Grasshopper) in real-time and enables interaction with the real-life environment based on AR technology through the Fologram platform.

Mobile Device (iPhone): To film the whole practice environment and working process through video recording.

The 'Viral Making' project focuses on the process rather than the final product, treating the workflow and process as the outcomes themselves. This approach provides a distinct 'non-artefact' form of practical outcome. The in-progress outcome of this practice contains a series of videos taken from different perspectives by different devices showing the practice process:

A screen record of the computer showing actions on modifying the model on computer software (Rhino)

A video record of the real-life working environment taken by iPhone showing interaction and actions among different ports and devices.

A screen record of the iPad showing the interaction between computer modelling software and real-life ports through the Fologram platform

By placing the different perspective video records together, it shows that when the model is modified in Rhino, the corresponding model on the iPad screen (via the Fologram platform) changes simultaneously. Similarly, adjustments made to the model’s position and size on the iPad screen are reflected in real-time within the Rhino software.

This interaction and connection through the Fologram platform allow seamless transitions between devices, enabling the model to be modified using the mannequin (real-life reference points) as guidance, ensuring a precise fit on various parts of the mannequin.

Sample video of the working process (in-process outcome) of the ‘Viral Making’ Project

To showcase this in-progress outcome, the actual practice environment is recreated, with each video displayed on the original devices used for recording. This method provides the audience with a more immersive experience by placing them within the actual practice environment, which offers richer narrative and contextual information.

Additionally, by creating the atmosphere of the room, this approach offers the audience an 'experience' rather than just a 'visual', opening up more possibilities for them to engage with the work and have their own unique experiences within the space.

In this approach to showcasing the practice, the limitations of 'form' are eliminated, as it no longer relies solely on the 'video' format to present the process. Recreating the working environment enables a way of presenting the 'process' itself as an outcome which offers more opportunities and potential for the audience to engage with the work, which can be seen as a different format for presenting the outcome of the practice.