CREATE & CUSTOMIZE YOUR DREAME AVATAR
DreaMe is the concept for a networking system that employs various digital interfaces and the use of virtual avatars. These virtual avatars act as the agency for each individual to represent themselves in the ever-growing dimensional world of digital communication. DreaMe aims that through these characters, personability is provided which in turn adds an extra layer of context and humanity in the virtual space. These
avatars should also act as a means of self expression for each person's unique identity.
Avatars also need virtual spaces to move around and to carry out its user's agency. Each avatar is able to have a place to decorate and make their own. They're able to host and invite other avatars as well, providing a fun space for online communication.
DREAME AT CENTRAL PARK
Concept Mockup
The DreaMe project is also interested in the relationship between physical and virtual. It incorporates the potential for architectural screens that physically change in accordance to it's data input in a public space. The one considered and conceptualised here is of the digital wall at Central Park, Sydney. The virtual representation takes the elements of Central Park visually and changes it according to the physical environment and the data it provides. This includes time for day and night cycles, weather and seasonal changes, and even calendar events such as Christmas.
This element of DreaMe has been developed!
We would like to thank the parties involved that have made the realization of DreaMe at Central Park possible:
Ian McArthur and Brad Miller for finding the opportunity to develop this concept.
Chris Deegan and Mark Hankey of 139Prime for developing the software.
UNSW Art & Design and Central Park for funding the development.
And Bruce Ramus and Tina Kopa.
UPLOAD YOUR AVATAR AT CENTRAL PARK
The visuals at Central Park digital wall not only reflect the environment, but the community as well. Users should be able to upload their avatar to the screen from being in proximity through their mobile app and interact with the screen through their device. Avatars are gathered and collected in this physical-virtual area, giving a chance for virtual interaction and also a representation of the people who frequent the area.
INTERACTIVE EVENTS AT CENTRAL PARK
The DreaMe project also aims to extend the use of the wall, mobile device and avatar by providing further opportunities of interaction. Events at Central Park such as games could gather people who use DreaMe and give back either digital or physical incentives. This could also lend itself to the promotional and marketing sphere.
AUDIENCE & BUSINESSES
DreaME also allows the chance for businesses and corporations to interact directly with their audience through their own avatar. Retail stores for example, could set up virtual merchandise like clothing that advertises their product in real life. By befriending a Sponsored DreaMe avatar, customers have another channel for special deals and advertising.
AUGMENTED REALITY?
The project also aims to explore ways in which the virtual and reality can interact and merge, and the potential an avatar agent provide in the function of virtual spaces. DreaMe could potentially provide a network of Augmented Reality reviews that are based on GPS, for Augmented Reality games, or even a sticker created from your avatar that you can add to photos.
