Prototyping and iterating during the making of Schwister with Daniele Hopkins and Kyle Duffield

In this interview Daniele Hopkins and Kyle Duffield are talking about the making of a physical game called Schwister. The conversation explores the cross over between branding work and experimental work, constraints and prototyping.

Highlights

• [0:01:21] Introduction to the game Schwister and its experience for players.
• [0:02:24] The idea for Schwister came from a commission for Absolut Vodka.
• [0:04:02] The process of exploring ideas and tinkering with the game.
• [0:05:49] The collaboration process and the use of iPad prototypes.
• [0:08:09] Building a prototype on the iPad using Max MSP and Mira.
• [0:09:45] Streamlining the technical solution for efficiency and portability.
• [0:11:51] Observing how people interact with the game and learning from it.
• [0:14:00] Adjusting sensitivity and logistics for smoother presentations.

About Kyle Duffield

Kyle Duffield is a Toronto-based interactive experience design professional who creates immersive interactive installations and brand activations. Kyle’s expertise spans audio, video, creative coding, electronics, and interaction design with the intent of bringing play and multi-sensory spectacle to public spaces. As an educator, Kyle has facilitated interactive media courses and workshops with various institutions, galleries, and universities across North America, the UK, Shanghai and online. Currently, Kyle is a Cycling '74 Max Certified Trainer, and is focusing on creating unforgettable technological experiences.

About Daniele Hopkins

Daniele Hopkins is a Toronto-based intermedia artist and the Executive Director of Electric Perfume, an experiential arts hub. She curates showcases, facilitates learning opportunities, and develops interactive projects for various events and clients. Her work explores intersections of nature, technology, sound, and interactivity. Daniele is passionate about teaching and mentorship and has served on the board of directors for Musicworks Magazine, The Hand-Eye Society, and Gallery X Scarborough.

About Electric Perfume

Electric Perfume artists, Daniele Hopkins and Kyle Duffield, have worked together for over a decade making immersive projects in a variety of mediums. Through Electric Perfume, they create and curate multisensory interactive social experiences in the form of events, activations, public art, gamified solutions, technical consultancy, and workshops. Electric Perfume has functioned as a creative studio and gallery space located in Toronto, curating over 150 public events consisting of exhibitions, festivals, performances, screenings, workshops, socials, and meetups. Hopkins and Duffield are always excited to be taking on new challenges, learning and merging new technologies, and love creating and showcasing alongside cool new friends!

Links from the podcast

• Learn more about Schwister
• Visit Kyle Duffield’s website
• Connect with Daniele Hopkins on Instagram
• Visit the Electric Perfume website