TEXT : ALISA MILCHEVSKAYA . ILLUSTRATOR : MAYANG ADISTA
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One of the most notable british inventions , the internet , changed the way we communicate forever and lead to incredible discoveries across the galaxies . Alisa milchevskaya explores the future of interaction and how three small letters are shaping the world today .
It is the year 1990 and Tim Berners-Lee is set on a seraphic journey to the manger where his computer rests to gave birth to the world wide web - one which arguably rivalled that of Jesus himself . That very nativity opened the gate into heaven of alternative new communication between human and machine that has been fluctuating ever since . Today , practically every single one of our everyday objects can listen , change , manoeuvre and interact with us by means of sensors and the internet . However the synergy from human to human has also reformed into an expansive , ever-evolving entity - researchers Rajesh Rao and Andrea Stocco at the University of Washington claim to have developed a brain-to-brain interface which allows one person to transmit his thoughts through a rubber helmet covered in sensors ( which somewhat resembles the inside of an octopus ’ tentacle ) to the other individual ’ s helmet which then jolts particular motor receptor , causing a corresponding muscle to move . As demand for efficiency grows and our spare time decreases , the future of communication will be dictated by our generation ’ s current and future needs .
I therefore questioned members of our sprightly younger generation on how they prefer to interact today and what other mind boggling ( and brain interfering ) inventions we may have to look forward to . Fear not - the future may not be as dark , cold and detached as one may have predicted . Even though some of the more cynical suggest we might have a ‘ neuro-scanner ’ or ‘ chips implanted in our brains to create a synthetic telekinesis ’ and robots joining the party to take over daily tasks ‘ as the entire human race is becoming lazier and lazier ’. Surprisingly , a lot of responses celebrate raw , natural communication - today it seems ‘ visual imagery is very effective ’ and ‘ good old body language and a smile . Possibly scent as it ’ s an unconscious one ’. ‘ Heightened level of body language ’ is certainly the desired imminent synergy , guess there ’ s some emotions hiding behind the ‘ duck face ’ profile pics after all . Even though the opportunity for communication is enabled through technology , ‘ to build or develop and to sustain you need more than just an opportunity – you need a core . And the core of pretty much everything is based on relationships ’.
HOW DID THE IDEA COME ABOUT ?
Daero Ra : An interaction booth was needed for the House of Peroni ’ s marketing event . There was a plan to make the DJ booth interactive and communicate with the audience in real time .
Adrian Law : The event lasted for the better part of June over at Portland Place . What started out as a neon string structure to simply house an Italian DJ manifested into making the entire installation interactive , which is when we were brought into the mix .
DO YOU CLUB A LOT ? WHAT ’ S YOUR VIEW ON THE CLUB SCENE TODAY ?
Daero Ra : To be honest I don ’ t enjoy loud or noisy places . However , a DJ playing music is a great idea ! In a club , the DJ leads the atmosphere .
Adrian Law : Well yes frequently as I believe it ’ s an expression of how we live our lives in contemporary times . The actual premise behind this was to create a unique connection between the DJ , the structure , the music , and the audience - this truly was the heart of this interactive art installation , and because of that the magnitude of its impact was quite unprecedented .
DO YOU FEEL THERE IS A PARTITION BETWEEN THE DJ AND THE CROWD ? CAN THE INTERACTION BE PUSHED FURTHER ? Daero Ra : If there are interactive ways to communicate between the DJ or environment and the people , it must be more exciting and interesting !
Adrian Law : The clubbing scene , I would consider to be a venue , or rather a canvas in which this sort of artwork can take place . To that end I think that the interaction between the DJ and the Crowd is being experimented even now , and the partition between them is challenged . I recall going to a Silent Disco event at the Royal Festival Hall , and what was equally great to the strange yet fun sensation to be dancing in a silent room with headphones on , was that you were listening to awesome music you liked in the same manner that the DJ was with his on ! The fact that Jonathan Ross was the DJ made the connection and experience all the more personal . But unconventional events such as Silent Disco and VJ performances are happening , and have been since the dawn of partying , it is just continually evolving , quietly in the background .
DO YOU THINK PROJECTS LIKE NEON HOUSE CAN SHIFT AND LESSEN THE POWER OF THE DJ IN THE FUTURE ?
Daero Ra : I do think so . Currently , the DJ always watches the audience ’ s responses - these are untouchable . If there is a more clear way to communicate with the audience , it must be more dramatic not only for the DJ but also for the audience because the above is a two-way communication .
CURRENTLY , THE DJ ALWAYS WAT- CHES THE AUDIENCE ’ S RESPONSES - THESE ARE UNTOUCHABLE