Narrative readings

As Marcin says, data are a key element of this project but my interest in data is a little different. I’d like to know how the ‘audience’ read the film and what they make (or don’t make) of the data visualisation and interaction opportunities we provide. The opportunity to explore this (potentially) interactive audience online is what brought me to Boron Mon Amour.

So, the questions Marcin raises – how the data enhance (or detract) from the documentary? What does it mean for a viewer? Raises an even more fundamental question for me. Can we even talk about our ‘audience’ as viewers in this age of Produsers? I hope instead that we can think of our ‘viewers’ as creators. Individuals who create their own subjective narrative experience of our iDoc.  I want to explore the many different ways our creators find to read Boron Mon Amour.

How will we do this? I’m hoping that we can set up a prototype that involves an excerpt from the film and some initial data visualisation ideas which I could test; probably using Q Methodology as that should help me understand the subjective ‘users’ experience. This would provide Marcin and John with some initial feedback which could help to shape the final project. But with such a short timescale to deliver the project, that’s going to be tight.

I also really want to explore the user experience of the final ‘finished’ piece. Somehow I expect that may take place after the ‘official’ end of the project, but it’s a fascinating opportunity.