MAKE-A-THON 2009
The first assignement was actually our class' Make-a-Thon. This was not only a great opportunity for us to jump into the hands-on approach utitlized so well in ActLab, but also for everyone to become familiar with our expectation levels and the talents/interests of fellow ActLabbies.
For my first foray into the 'Dream' side of the class, I chose to discuss Lucid Dreams; specifically the various methods commonly used to acheive lucidity in dreams.
WHAT IS A LUCID DREAM?
A dream in which the person is aware that they are dreaming while the dream is in progress.
Allows for active participation in and manipulation of imaginary experiences in the dream environment.
Lucid dreams can be extremely vivid.
INDUCTION METHODS: DREAM-INITIATED vs. WAKE-INITIATED
Dream-initiated lucid dreams begin as normal dreams, and the dreamer eventually concludes that they are dreaming, spurring lucidity.
Wake-initiated methods find the dreamer going from a normal waking state directly into a dream state with no loss of consciousness.
METHODS:
Dream Recall
Mnemonic Induction
will power
dream signals
wake-back-to-bed
Wake-Initiated
Lucid Dream Supplements
*Induction Devices: Nova Dreamer, Dream Maker, etc.
*Reality Testing: digital watch, light switch, mirrors, etc.
This alpha version of the Dream Switch is a merger of both 'induction devices' and 'reality testing'.
The power-point presentation for this device is available (.ppt format) here.
The end result of this discussion on Lucid Dreams was the creation of conceptualized lucid-dream induction device which integrated reality testing into a solid object:
THE DREAM SWITCH alpha
FEATURES:
Combines Induction Devices & Reality Testing
Light Switch
Affordable and efficient
Room for innovation
The design was simple, component-based and surprisingly impressed many by it's steampunk inspired appearance. The main parts were essentially a wall light switch, a necklace, a light bulb, a connecting wire and silver matte spray paint.
This was a non-working concept model, so all emphasis was on design and feasibility. Having completed the Dream Switch Alpha, I was able to target a few areas for improvement with the next model: size reduction, improve on style, light-switch functionality, power source, integration of automatic queues.
The next project saw the fruition of these suggested improvements. Check it out here.
