Lecture at University of Huddersfield

Today was my annual lecture at the University of Huddersfield, talking about real world examples for interactive installations. It's an opportunity for the students to see how some of the work they are doing might be applied in the 'real world'.

I also stayed around after the lecture to provide some feedback on the students work and also to chat to Anton, who is doing an MSc by research and will be working with the Apollo Ensemble.

Lecture at University of Huddersfield

In full flow in the lecture theatre

Today I was at the University of Huddersfield delivering a lecture to students on 'Interactive Technology in Action' (part of the Undergraduate Music Technology course). This involved looking at how interactive technology has been used to create a range of installations covering everything from sensory rooms to exhibition stands.

This is the second time I've visited to present the lecture.

Scarborough Session - Prototypes Presented

The students at Scarborough today presented their prototype installations to Jan and Ian from the Scarborough Museums Trust, Rob McKay and I. This was the first opportunity for us to see working versions of the systems that the four grousp are designing.

Overall I was impressed by how far most of the groups had got within such a short space of time. It's only four weeks since we set the assignment and three weeks since they pitched the initial ideas. Most groups had graphics, voiceovers, audio (tunes and sound effects), plus various working interactive elements.

The main criticisms were around the use of language and text. This included voiceovers that used complex words and tricky fonts on complex backgrounds. It's a common mistake to get carried away with the 'look and feel' of an installation and forget about comprehension. These installations need to appeal to audiences from 5 to 95.

The groups are keeping blogs detailing their work on the project, allowing me to keep up to date between sessions. They've also been provided with Flip video cameras so that they can put on video clips. The process is very interesting and the students are making use of some interesting software tools. You can visit their blogs by following the links below:

• Group 1 - Trade
• Group 2 - Protection
• Group 3 - Health
• Group 4 - Good Catch

They now have just two weeks before they have to be finished and we get to mark them. A lot of sleepless nights to come. At least this time it's not me.

Manor School On-Site

Manor School came to site today to have a look around. They were faced with the realities of work - the realisation that even exciting, creative work like Apollos relies on accounts, purchasing and very mundane looking offices.

On the upside they did get to have a short play in our demo room.

Interactive Lectures

I returned to Scarborough today to give a follow up to my regular Interactive Technology lecture on the Creative Music Technology course. This time I've been talking to the students about pitching for work and working as a team. Rather than just talk at the students, we set them the task of pitching some ideas back at me. They had to work in groups to come up with an idea for an interactive exhibit or display for International Brain Awareness Week

The groups only had a couple of hours, but came up with some really good ideas. The best part will be in March when I go back and they have to have actually built the exhibits. Glad I'm not them...!

Work with NYBEP

Apollo tries to work closely with education providers and trainers to help young people who might want to work in the Creative Industries. This includes providing work placements, year in industry opportunities and supporting other learning initiatives.

Today I was working with Jacki Dealtry from NYBEP, who is working with interactive sound and light equipment. She uses this as part of NYBEP's work to engage young people with science and technology as part of the STEM programme.