In collaboration with Chiao Ho and Petrula Vrontikis

The roots of this intervention are of the most humble parts. Originally developed with a string, a cup, and a blinking bike light. We learned the simplicity of creating quick prototypes which entailed a compelling message. More importantly the usage of language to elicit a response became of major importance, more so than the object itself. Revealing the process of developing language as a means to project possible physical fabrications.

The initial intervention was developed to elicit an emotional and participatory reaction. Involving a more lo-tech approach by having the user pick up the cup phone and have no response, but to have the user hear the apology they deserve.

Version 2: This version was a first attempt at creating an actual object which delivered a random apology to the user. A laptop encased in a foam core box. An application was built in flash which delivered the random message when the user clicked the track pad.

This version of the intervention was not as successful. In fact it was a complete departure from the initial “phone booth” like system initially created. The importance of staying true to the form was evident in the step of the process. And creating an object which remixed the ingredients proved to be less effective, yet still functional.

Version 3: For this final version of the dispenser we went back to the original form and utilized and iphone and ipod touch, in conjunction with Live View and Airfoil. We managed to create a stand alone intervention, which boasts ambiguity, humor, and sentiment.

One of the important factors of this project was the context in which it lived in. From our early experiments we began to notice the importance of location, location, location. For the balance between the frequency of users as well the quality of consumption desired.

Dispenser App
http://salvadororara.com/mdp/pk/apology/

Source Code (does not include audio files)
http://salvadororara.com/mdp/pk/apology/src.zip