My main idea for this particular project starts with it’s value, which is the ability for the mind to protect your well being. There is a method to training one’s mind so they can receive thoughts with absolute control and serenity. As such, my project would be designed to show this sort of perseverance, and how it can manifest a more positive outlook and state of mind. The world can fill itself with unpleasant stimuli of all kinds, loud noises, vile sights and other unpleasant sensations. However, I personally find that the worst thing one can do to maintain their mental well-being is watching or engaging in activities related to the problems of the real world. The world is problematic, but these problems don’t have to weigh you down. As such, you can simply turn off the news, engage with the world now when it’s in a state of calm, and properly enjoy yourself. You can harden or protect yourself from the worst things in the world, and it’s so easy to do. Some solitude can really change a person’s way of thinking.

I initially had no idea for what I should use an an input for this project, but I think it should be as artistic as the output. I’m considering the use of a drawing, with the soft pencil graphite used to build the Makey Makey connection. In particular, I want to draw a hand, held out to the person. Touching one part of the hand would guide the individual towards one scene, another touch to another. This design makes it not only personal, but symbolic of the guidance that I intend with this piece. Lines would be drawn from each section to the end of the paper for the input connection, and from there the individual could manipulate the shape in whatever way they wish.

The output is rather strange, since I have very little animation experience. Overall, I intend to stick with a 2d animation style, since it best fits the drawn style of the input, and because I could easily use such a medium to convey my point without much of a style clash or difficulty. These scenes would show off different instances of denying the world from ruining your mood. In particular, I want to use color to convey the difference between one’s outlook with the horrid things and another with peace taking hold. As an example, there’s a new story on the tv that’s in clear view. Bad things are being shown, violent protests, shouting newscasters, etc. The whole scene is greyed out, showing how bad things have invaded this small world. The next shot shows the tv off, as white light starts to peek through, showing how positivity is returning at last. This would happen for each scene shown in the project, triggered by a different spot on the input controller.

I want to ask you all, if possible, how I could better convey my meaning through the input or output of this project. In particular, is my current drawing of the input sufficient to my point, or should I add something else to get my meaning across?