260MC Part 2: Initial Idea (Around the World)

Our initial Idea

“An exhibition showcasing travel through various viewpoints and lenses, featuring 360 VR technology and various projections/installations”. A project set to inspire and encourage local people to travel and immerse themselves in various cultures and traditions.

• Will showcase our work and the public’s
• Celebrating travel and culture through various lenses.
• Will include the city of Coventry as a small element within our exhibition (disposable cameras idea)
• Pop-ups promotional techniques (i.e the glass box/other)
• Distribution: Can release various easter eggs around the town (i.e sticker idea/eggs, can paint in various flag colours etc.
• Funds: Can each make a small contribution to whole project if needed.
• Promotion: Social Media campaign, website, twitter, facebook, facebook live, pop up chats etc.
• VR aspect (Landmarks of Coventry, possibly Berlin/other)
• Can also bring in videos filmed by us, from different locations.
• VR in the hall (extra element)- possible live VR stream

There were many reasons why we decided not to bring this idea to the surface. The main one being that we felt it was not feasible in the time we had left. Thus was because we had too many ideas circling around, without giving any time for them to materialise or come to form.

Thus found ourselves adding to an idea, which was too big to handle in terms of scope, outcomes and so forth. One other contributing factor for us was promotion, as ideally, we’d need to have started promotions for travel idea very early on, in order to build up public engagement, visitor numbers and so forth. I would further say that the elements, in particular, were quite vague. For example, one initial element included bringing together various foods from different cultures. Although this would have been great, a list of foods or even possible caterers was not drawn up in advance, therefore meaning we’d have to rush all in bringing everything together. Finally, I would say time management and communication during the evolvement of this idea, fluctuated heavily as we seemed to have been going back and forth in finalising things and adding things by only speaking to some members rather than the whole team. Thus all felt too rushed and needed effective communication lines established beforehand and even set roles to have had a chance of even forming.

Therefore, in conclusion, I would say that if we had possibly managed time better and fleshed particular idea out (making prior arrangments) then we’d have most likely continued with idea. However, one highlight of possibly considering idea at the start, included our pre-survey as we managed to receive a lot of positive responses on the idea, as many were excited to see it form, through the use of 360VR technology and much more. Thus although we didn’t do the idea, we still partook in audience research, which gave us sufficient aid and assistance as to what the ideas response would be from the public point of view, in terms of accepting it and even engaging with it as well.

260MCP2: Exhibition (All Elements)

Upon settling on our final idea, in hosting an exhibition which would showcase Coventry’s Past Present and Future, this gave us a chance to go over our elements (including those already in motion, such as VR).

The list below includes all our elements, which have been further analysed and placed side to side with ‘audience engagement’, in order to demonstrate how we’d engage with the public and why.

Coventry: Past, Present and Future

Our Elements

1. 360 VR Experience

An innovative experience where virtual reality immerses with Coventry. Get ready to witness Coventry up close and personal, as you get taken on a journey through 3 main places within Coventry including Coventry Cathedral, Coombe Abbey and the Transport Museum. Which place will you pick first to visit?

Public Engagement strategy: Various members of the public can navigate around each place, moving the cursor to various ends of the screen, to bring the image(s) to life in virtual reality.

Promotion: “Get ready to witness the beautiful lakes of Coombe Abbey and the history of the transport museum itself.”

2) “Take a chance”: Envelope cards

• Small cards of paper (multi-coloured) placed in different envelopes prompting various activities. For example “Take a chance on…Horse Riding” (you can horse ride here:______)- Include link as QR code plus make links local to Coventry.

Public Engagement strategy: In terms of this particular element, later titled “Balloon Buster”, we made sure to hone in on the way in which we’d present it. Thus deciding to later change up the element, via my suggestion to include all ‘activities’ (in and around the midlands) as QR codes which the members of the public would scan with a simple QR reader to see which activity they’d be able to “Take a chance” on. Thus not only providing the members of the public with something new to do, but also giving them a chance to interact with others during the balloon busters as they’d each pick one balloon (which they’d take home or pop there and then). Furthermore in terms of the results, we’d also encourage members of the public to share out their ‘reactions’ or outcome of the activity through a short video or even photo (to capture the moment), with the hashtag #MyCoventry, where we’d be able to see each ‘response reaction’ from the different activities which we’d attached to the QR codes. Therefore adding to public engagement, interaction and even response, through the use of social mediums (such as twitter) plus scanning technology (such as QR codes), aiding each activity delivery (i.e at a discounted price, through Groupon/national, local activity offers).

3) VHS 90’s footage (challenge)

Following particular subject (i.e Michael) through Coventry, as he shows us round his ‘Coventry’ further prompted my interactive actions and decisions appearing on screen or possible quiz questions (appearing after video). 

Public Engagement strategy:

A short quiz for the public of Coventry to take part in, after watching a short video (filmed in the style of VHS footage, acting as our ‘past’ element due to this reason). They’d be quizzed on what they’d be seeing and so forth.

Furthermore upon answering each question right, they’d be even more likely to win the overall competition, which in this case would be a free VR headset (worth £30). As this activity would be our most engaging one (in terms of bringing the public together), we would say that the quiz and also the notion of working towards a ‘prize’ really drew our audience in, as they were very excited and engaged to take part. However, for next time (upon receiving feedback in our post-survey, we’d be sure to add more questions to the quiz and change the intensity level). We’d also thinking about creating other videos (in the same style) with different characters (from different backgrounds) further promoting the diverse cultures within Coventry and branching out to even more members of the public in this way, as we could include various signs and ‘easter eggs’ of that particular during the video(s), thus encapsulating our audience directly in this way, paying homage to them and celebrating the community even more.

4) IDrawCoventry or “Free Draw”: Involving a long piece of A3 paper being spread around the whole venue (Tin Arts), with different neon pens being placed around for all to draw on paper, adding to audience engagement etc.

Public Engagement strategy:

For this element, we aimed to encourage creativity and even spontaneity. As we’d market element as “a chance to let your creativity run wild”. Further offering possible suggestions of what to draw where assistance was required, otherwise making sure all pens were distributed evenly. Further checking up on illustrations and witnessing creativity and it’s finest as we’d be giving the public a blank canvas to draw, doodle and do much more with a simple piece of paper and pen.

5) I-Coventry Travel

Possibly pin-point places you’d like to go or even write postcards to your future self within that place, after possibly being “Sent2Coventry” fitting with title. Also, accumulate blue tack and other necessary props where needed. 

“You know the envelope, card and map I sent you, how about we ask people to write a letter to the people of Coventry of the past and submit it in a box or something?”

–Zynab (team member)

Public Engagement strategy:
For me, this element went through the most changes, as it had been brought over from our first main idea (Around the world, see blog post here:260MC Part 2: Initial Idea (Around the World). However, in terms of its popularity it certainly sparked a cord with the general public, as many liked how they could create their own postcards to their future self and even include the address (of where they’d see themselves in 10 years or so). Furthermore, I liked how my team member had created the postcards, as she’d included enough writing space, well-constructed imagery and much more within this element, furthermore being proactive in bringing the element over from our first main idea rather than disregarding it.

Conclusion (including short reflection)

Upon reflection, after completing our exhibition, it’s clear that many elements needed a lot more work and even promotion, to draw out their messages and even reason(s) for engaging the public. One main highlight, however, would be the VHS challenge, as this would probably be our most interactive activity. Considering that we set up (in advance) a short quiz for the public of Coventry to take part in, after watching a short video (filmed in the style of VHS footage, acting as our ‘past’ element due to this reason). We also found that many liked this element, as it was intriguing and innovative in terms of encapsulating someone’s journey around Coventry, in order to be quizzed on what they’d be seeing and so forth. One other main attraction of this activity would also have to be that it had a prize incentive, this being a free VR headset with a retail price of £30. Thus certainly engaged and thrilled various members of the public as they tried their hand at winning the headset/attempting the quiz.

 

260mc Exhibition (reflection)

Coventry: Past, Present and Future

Our official website (created by myself)

Coventry: Past, Present and Future (Exhibition)

In terms of reflecting on my groups project, I would say we were successful in engaging with the people of Coventry, however we could have included more and boosted our promotion further to reach more people. As for our concept, this worked well and received positive attention as many liked our use of VR technology and other elements within our exhibition. However what was clear is that we didn’t full pay homage to our title, as we didn’t include enough material for ‘

However what was clear is that we didn’t pay full homage to our title, as we didn’t include enough material for ‘Coventry’s History’ (as this is what we marketed our event as, celebrating Coventry’s Past Present and Future. Thus we instead opted to touch on the history of Coventry very briefly through bite-size facts which we placed all around our location for all to read and digest, and even quiz each other on all facts with their friends if they wished. I would further say that the timing of our exhibition certainly paid a huge factor, as we had to think about duration, payment and other events corresponding with ours. However as we started the promotional trail quite late, we did find that branching out to the public proved more challenging in terms of time frame, but we still

I would further say that the timing of our exhibition was important for us, as we had to think about duration, payment and other events corresponding with ours. However as we started the promotional trail quite late, we did find that branching out to the public proved more challenging in terms of time frame, but we still worked off of some responses to really bring our idea to life.

Highlights:

As for one main highlight, this would include location scouting and making my groups website. Before constructing the website, I made sure to think about what websites I liked and why I liked them, thus tried to include bitesize information as oppose to ream and reams of paragraphs.

I would further say that making the website helped us to really think about our programme of activities and how we’d draw people into our idea, or even create buzz for it.

Drawbacks

Although we completed our exhibition there was still a lot we could have worked on even after bringing our event to a close.

This included (but is not limited too): Team communication, motivation, discussion of ideas and most importantly a clear establishment of roles. Speaking of the latter, although rough roles were distributed (i.e team leader pivoted towards me), this still led to many committing to a role but not undergoing it. Therefore leaving many others in already pre-destined roles to take over and do the work for them, whilst they did not even contribute to half of the work compared to the rest of their peers.

I would however bring this down to time management, as although we circulated a lot of ideas on a weekly basis none of them were brought to the surface, thus leaving all in confusion later along the line as to what we had completed and what was still left to do. Which eventually led to us swiftly changing our idea (mention travel exhibition) due to feasibility and other contributing factors. I’d further say that some accumulated a lot more motivation and focus than others, as the latter turned up very late and waited to be assigned a role rather than be proactive about it. Therefore as a collaborative there were times that we did feel disconnected as a group, but luckily we pulled out all the stops on the day of our exhibition. Making sure to checkpoint all, further promote and even distribute posters.

Skills

In terms of my own role within this project, this included managing my team co-herently acting as group leader. Further acting as the final say on all decisions. Although this proved quite challenging at the start, I managed to stay calm and focused throughout further encouraging feedback and opinions on board for me to take on board and evaluate each team decision.

In terms of what we’d do next time this would include to better manage our time, to meet more often and above all delegate roles from the get go. Further positing each member of the team into mini groups, in order for them to work on a particular spect of the project to bring together later in a clear and cohesive manner.

 

Mariana Interview (Charlie Victor One Exhibition) (Research stage)

Upon interviewing Mariana on her exhibition and Coventry in general, it was clear that she was very ‘community centred’ with her views, further bringing in her own culture and values within each question. Overall her responses helped me to gain a better understanding to what she though about Coventry and also how she felt about ‘interaction’ in terms of the Coventry 2021 scheme (which is very community centred, further encapsulating various cultures values and traditions and of-course celebrating diversity).

Overall upon gaining some feedback from colleagues, interview excerpts and even thoughts from own group members its very clear that Coventry is extremely ‘people’ based as alot of effort is put on community projects and even support. Thus I would definitely say that Coventry certainly embraces ‘different’ and even ‘change’, as its very accepting of all different values and projects, which certainly brings something new to the table for all to witness. As for our own exhibition (in celebrating the past, present and future of Coventry).

I’d definitely say that my team included a various diverse range of activities catering to different individuals. Whether thats creative, tech wizards, younger audiences etc, through our use of VR technology, engaging competition and even ‘live’ promotional strategies (i.e FB live video), which certainly help spread he word on our exhibition and even what we were about.

Mariana (Interview, Photography Student, Coventry University)

 

 

 

 

260MC Part 2: Birmingham Research Trip

Recently, my peers and I visited Birmingham Central (Town). The reason for this was for us to carry out research on ‘public engagement’ as we visited various museums and libraries. Upon reaching one of the museums, I made a few notes as I went round each artefact and section. Further aiding me in my groups project (in terms of research) and the formulation of it.

Public Engagement (full notes)

Interactive Elements

– Visual maps (touch screen)
– Fact files
– Figures
-Re-enactments
– Projections
-Writings on the walls
– Letters
– Questions (time era specific)
– Jigsaw puzzles
– suggestion boxes?
– small models

Think about audience engagement.
Quizzes (testing knowledge on subject matter)
How will you engage with the public effectively, think about colour marketing.

Tours (of photos)- treasure trail
Share with Birmingham Museum people, depending on final artefact/get in touch via their own facebook page.

Overall, upon seeing various places where ‘community engagement’ was heavily emphasised I managed to get a sense of what elements and even strategies I could employ within my groups project, in order for us to fully engage with the public. Further giving me a better understanding of the importance of layout and presentation of a particular ‘exhibition’ of soughts. Whilst also bringing to my attention the importance of properly marked pathways, entrances and even informational leaflets, aimed at the public to absorb and understand information easily plus effectively.

260MC Part 2 (W2): Unusual Narrative

In today’s lecture we were briefed on unusual narratives. Furthermore being prompted to go around Coventry and engage with the public in some way shape or form. Within our respective groups, we strolled through Coventry/surrounding areas to create and distribute a particular media artefact.

My Ideas

1.”Pick Me Up’s”: A narrative involving various bits of paper/sticky notes placed into various books. In order to encourage members of the public/readers to the view the book alongside the post-its. Thus acting as a “pick me up” through the use of praise, feelings and nice pleasantries.

2. “Disappearing Student”: A narrative involving bogus article which is formulated and distributed within the streets of Coventry or online. In order to promote real life buzz and word of mouth for the subject matter. Furthermore, the content of the article would be relatable to ‘student life’ thus reaching a  specific demographic.

newspaper

3. “What is this place?”: Create fake twitter account on a particular fictional character. Be sure to pay close attention to their routine and how they interact with their surroundings. Primarily revolve narrative around animated character leaving in ‘human’ world etc.

4. Sticky note challenge: Stick up post notes around Coventry with particular words or sentences to form a sentence. One this is done include arrows and symbols to particular phrases. Possibly lead all to a long compliment or a fact etc.

5. “Spontaneous Hunt”:  Place various post it notes around Coventry or any other close by. Include symbols letters and emoji’s, to lead random people to particular parts of Coventry. Almost use ‘artefact’ as a random map system, offering a challenge to those who are willing to accept.

6. Ask members of the public various questions about themselves include a ‘thought box’

7. “Famous celebrity visit”: Actually members of the public miming.

8. Include various empty cardboard boxes with prompts for the public to interact with it.

9. Try to spread across a bogus message (through the city)

10. Put on a hocus fashion show??

As a group, we thought about engaging the public through small post it notes. Of which we’d include “what is your secret” on each one, with a number placed beside it. Thus in this way we’d interact with various individuals of the public, through a call and response method. Although we did not get many responses, the overall process and planning of the idea helped us to think about audience engagement, interaction etc.