The starting point for this project will be a 3D CG environment titled THE LIBRARY. The Library has always been a metaphor for knowledge and information and in the Library of the future we will explore the full potential of hypertext and how literacy may be represented and accessed through different means. The development of this interactive synesthetic experience is uniquely suited to 3D – the equipment and technology needed to carry out such sophisticated interactive projects is now within reach.

The collaborative user interface for this system will be multiple laser pointers which function both as navigation devices and as the means to manipulate objects within the Library environment. Simultaneous participation of multiple viewers is a significant aspect of this project as we intend to measure not only the impact of synesthetic experience on creativity, but also the relationship between creativity and collaboration.

The main thrust of this project will involve the conceptualization and development of a collaborative software tool which allows participants to participate in a creative (multimedia-based) synesthetic experience. This tool or instrument will allow participants to collaboratively assemble and modify various media elements (shapes, colours, numbers, letters,sounds) – the goal being to replay them as an original multimedia ‘composition’.

We envision having participants/viewers use laser pointers from a distance in order to control and manipulate various objects as they are projected on large screens. Future development will allow participants to move objects from the screen displays to a tabletop display in real space. Viewers will have the opportunity to explore their own intuitive sensory associations or develop these associations by dragging, dropping, exchanging and transforming media objects within the Library. A presentation planned for March 2005 will take place in TELi (the Technology Enhanced Learning Institute) at the York/Seneca campus; for this presentation, this project will be displayed over three large projection screens with collaborative input via laser pointers.

A presentation planned for March 2005 will take place in TELi (the Technology Enhanced Learning Institute) at the York/Seneca campus.