SOFT
OPENING CHANGES
SUGGESTION |
RESULT |
| More
puppets to use. |
5
additional puppets are complete. |
| Eliminate
polygon cutting on the stage. |
Deeper
Stage area on new design. |
| Less
"busy" background image |
Subtle
background in new stage. |
| Make
a curtain to start/end each show. |
Curtain
animation not within scope due to Lithtech limitations. |
| Make
Soldier sword in different hand for left station so soldiers
can duel. |
Flipping
of puppets does not fit the system of puppet standardization. |
| More
link to real-life puppets |
Puppet
selection screen now contains pictures of real puppets. |
| Standard
control for all puppets. |
All
puppets now on standard control scheme. |
| Use
a microphone. |
Discussed
with museum, they would like to decide based on the space. |
| Trackball
is not the optimal input device for this exhibit. |
We
have recommended the use of touchscreens. |
LESSONS
LEARNED
1. Puppet Standards: Standardizing
the puppets was more important than making new ones. Once puppets
are standardized in size and joints to each other, the system
will work. Thus, the standards are necessary for the puppets
to be used.
2.
Engine Details: Learn the
engine as much and as soon as possible.
We met a challenge with data transferring relative to the skeleton
set up. It shows up while we trying to standardized all the
puppets. Apparently there are some special rules for Lithtech
in taking the bones information from Max.
3.
Judgement Call: We experienced some difficult
setbacks the week of a user test. It was an important test for
us, so we went through with it anyway. It would have been better
to call off the test.
4.
Unexpected Fun: Our tests show that the observers
of the experience have fun, and this is a big part of the experience's
dynamic. This is important to remember in designing projects
for public installments.
RECOMMENDATIONS
FOR FINAL INSTALLATION
1.
Further linkage to real world: Link puppet
selection with a technology such as X10. When a puppet is selected,
its real-life counterpart will be illuminated in the case.
2.
Touchscreens: These would resolve any possible
confusion with the puppet selection kiosks.
3.
Engine: We recommend the use of an updated or different
engine, and the licensing of the engine(if necessary) once it
is finalized.
4.
Voice: Voice prompts in the puppet selection
screens will give children a better chance of understanding
the interface.
