DISTRACTION MANAGER is a wearable "notification" generator, a stimulator for awareness, a trigger generator for a human being.
DISTRACTION MANAGER is a wearable "notification" generator, a stimulator for awareness, a trigger generator for a human being.
The user interacts with the device - by turning the knob they decide on how often on the scale/sequence from 5 to 60 minutes they they would like to hear the short high-pitched sound it produces.
The user interacts with the device - by turning the knob they decide on how often on the scale/sequence from 5 to 60 minutes they they would like to hear the short high-pitched sound it produces.
Even more, the Distraction Manager (DM) works only when it receives coequal activity from the user. The user has the responsibility to complete the function of the device, to fill in the missing commands of the protocol of sensibilization.
Even more, the Distraction Manager (DM) works only when it receives coequal activity from the user. The user has the responsibility to complete the function of the device, to fill in the missing commands of the protocol of sensibilization.
PROTOCOL: The Distraction Manager is switched ON by the user, the time sequence adjusted. -> The Distraction Manager produces the sound. -> The sound triggers the user. -> The user consciously activates their own set of questions. -> The user responds to these questions and makes adjustments that optimise their being. -> ...
PROTOCOL: The Distraction Manager is switched ON by the user, the time sequence adjusted. -> The Distraction Manager produces the sound. -> The sound triggers the user. -> The user consciously activates their own set of questions. -> The user responds to these questions and makes adjustments that optimise their being. -> ...
The sound that the Distraction Manager makes acts as a productive disturbance, triggering the user to pursue with their own questions.
The sound that the Distraction Manager makes acts as a productive disturbance, triggering the user to pursue with their own questions.
@ -353,62 +71,62 @@ It exists to sensibilize its user, to induce the development of good habits and
<divclass="extended">
<divclass="extended">
<p> It only works when and if the user is successfully triggered to complete their steps in the protocol, asking and answering their own set of questions.
<p> It only works when and if the user is successfully triggered to complete their steps in the protocol, asking and answering their own set of questions.
If the user fails to internalize the protocol, ignoring the sound, failing to reach a symbiotic union with the device, the DM is deemed to be completely dysfunctional and futile.
If the user fails to internalize the protocol, ignoring the sound, failing to reach a symbiotic union with the device, the DM is deemed to be completely dysfunctional and futile.
The interaction between a human and this device can be a productive and an inclusive relation.
The interaction between a human and this device can be a productive and an inclusive relation.
(Of course, looking from the antropocentric human perspective, the device can't really feel it, can it?)
(Of course, looking from the antropocentric human perspective, the device can't really feel it, can it?)
Humans (in all instances) are the ones that give devices their life and their meaning, whereas this device challenges its user to reform their own behaviour - at an expense of the human no longer being blinded by other devices and the countless possibilities of use that they possess and distraction that they compell us with.
Humans (in all instances) are the ones that give devices their life and their meaning, whereas this device challenges its user to reform their own behaviour - at an expense of the human no longer being blinded by other devices and the countless possibilities of use that they possess and distraction that they compell us with.
(What a traitor it is, this device!)
(What a traitor it is, this device!)
DM is simple, its physical interface is minimal and its purpose is as complex as the user wants it to be. We can consider the DM as a highly inclusive interface, as its user is in charge of the great majority of the devices' functions. The interfacing does not take place in the material world, nor in between the lines of code, nor the rumble of wires. It happens in the mind of its user, discretely and without the need for the knowledge of translation between the language of the human and the language of the device/system/chip.
DM is simple, its physical interface is minimal and its purpose is as complex as the user wants it to be. We can consider the DM as a highly inclusive interface, as its user is in charge of the great majority of the devices' functions. The interfacing does not take place in the material world, nor in between the lines of code, nor the rumble of wires. It happens in the mind of its user, discretely and without the need for the knowledge of translation between the language of the human and the language of the device/system/chip.
Each interaction between this device and its user is specific to the needs of the user. You get triggered and you are the one asking the questions.
Each interaction between this device and its user is specific to the needs of the user. You get triggered and you are the one asking the questions.
A device to interface with yourself.
A device to interface with yourself.
The Distraction Manager is meant to be used as a training-tool that develops the users' internal methodologies for awareness. It highlights the possibility to re-program, to rewire our subconsciousness by enhancing the users' reflexes produces by a response to the DM stimuli. It is only necessary to use this pragmatic device until the questions posed do not anchor into the subconscious mind, the trigger becomes automatic, the pull towards awareness instinctive, the protocol internalized. This is only reachable by repetition that eventually reinforces the habit and embeds the changed behaviour.
The Distraction Manager is meant to be used as a training-tool that develops the users' internal methodologies for awareness. It highlights the possibility to re-program, to rewire our subconsciousness by enhancing the users' reflexes produces by a response to the DM stimuli. It is only necessary to use this pragmatic device until the questions posed do not anchor into the subconscious mind, the trigger becomes automatic, the pull towards awareness instinctive, the protocol internalized. This is only reachable by repetition that eventually reinforces the habit and embeds the changed behaviour.
Then - the device is not needed anymore. It has served its purpose.
Then - the device is not needed anymore. It has served its purpose.
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Normally, the goal of creating an interface would be to make it as user-friendly as possible, achieving the desired output with minimal input from the user.
Normally, the goal of creating an interface would be to make it as user-friendly as possible, achieving the desired output with minimal input from the user.
This is not the case with the Distraction Manager. The users' input is far from minimal. In fact: as much input as the human gives, as well the device functions!
This is not the case with the Distraction Manager. The users' input is far from minimal. In fact: as much input as the human gives, as well the device functions!
Ranging from complete uselesness to accurate relevancy.
Ranging from complete uselesness to accurate relevancy.
The inspiration for the way that the DM is put together derives from the observation and usage of contemporary interfaces – black boxes that conceal their internal workings, seducing the user that remains ignorant to the intrinsic networks and protocols that these devices use.
The inspiration for the way that the DM is put together derives from the observation and usage of contemporary interfaces – black boxes that conceal their internal workings, seducing the user that remains ignorant to the intrinsic networks and protocols that these devices use.
Induced ignorance masked in a sleek design.
Induced ignorance masked in a sleek design.
The Distraction Manager empowers its human user to take control, to exercise their capability of intervening into the protocol of the device.
The Distraction Manager empowers its human user to take control, to exercise their capability of intervening into the protocol of the device.
The primary action that a human derives from their wish to manage their distraction (the initial reason to use the DM), switching on the device and choosing a desired time sequence of the trigger production. When the sound appears, as a mid-protocol occurence, the human considers it as an input, triggering the sensibilization protocol. This is where the human and the machine encounter, interface eachother, creating an inter-system communication. The actual output of the DM is the changed state of mind, the management of distraction that the human reaches when the protocol is repeatedly and successfully completed.
The primary action that a human derives from their wish to manage their distraction (the initial reason to use the DM), switching on the device and choosing a desired time sequence of the trigger production. When the sound appears, as a mid-protocol occurence, the human considers it as an input, triggering the sensibilization protocol. This is where the human and the machine encounter, interface eachother, creating an inter-system communication. The actual output of the DM is the changed state of mind, the management of distraction that the human reaches when the protocol is repeatedly and successfully completed.
The causality of the final output is unpredictable and specific to each individual, whose conceptual input (set of questions) to the protocol is the unknown variable, that depends on the initial motivation and the needs of the individual.
The causality of the final output is unpredictable and specific to each individual, whose conceptual input (set of questions) to the protocol is the unknown variable, that depends on the initial motivation and the needs of the individual.
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Machines have shaped humanity more abruptly, causing a shockwave stronger and more lasting than any other occurences ever since our species first stepped into existence. Tracing the legacy of tools, humans have always striven for the bettering of our lives, towards the simplification of mundane tasks.
Machines have shaped humanity more abruptly, causing a shockwave stronger and more lasting than any other occurences ever since our species first stepped into existence. Tracing the legacy of tools, humans have always striven for the bettering of our lives, towards the simplification of mundane tasks.
Somewhere along the line, it seems, we have lost control over what kind of tools/machines/devices we produce and how we do it, for whom and why. How we use them and who is the boss.
Somewhere along the line, it seems, we have lost control over what kind of tools/machines/devices we produce and how we do it, for whom and why. How we use them and who is the boss.
Since the "discovery" of the internet, our bubble of known or possibly-known has blown up. Complexity arose and hit us hard.
Since the "discovery" of the internet, our bubble of known or possibly-known has blown up. Complexity arose and hit us hard.
It is alluring to have all the humanity's knowledge accessible anywhere, anytime. It is also perplexing.
It is alluring to have all the humanity's knowledge accessible anywhere, anytime. It is also perplexing.
(Is curiosity thriving?)
(Is curiosity thriving?)
"The world" is a distraction generator, the excessive flood of impulses results in the loss of sharpness in our sensory experiences, perception.
"The world" is a distraction generator, the excessive flood of impulses results in the loss of sharpness in our sensory experiences, perception.
Our generation is severely shaped by the immense power of connectivity, the dominance of accesibility. This is why it is urgent to reassess the notion of relevancy.
Our generation is severely shaped by the immense power of connectivity, the dominance of accesibility. This is why it is urgent to reassess the notion of relevancy.
Making choices, being focused, having a mission, a clear direction, following a single strong impulse has become an end in itself, being also a desirable fundamental skill to have in order to manoeuvre the entanglements of today.
Making choices, being focused, having a mission, a clear direction, following a single strong impulse has become an end in itself, being also a desirable fundamental skill to have in order to manoeuvre the entanglements of today.
To completely eradicate distraction would mean to cut off from the world that provides it, to seclude oneself in order to minimize the impulses.
To completely eradicate distraction would mean to cut off from the world that provides it, to seclude oneself in order to minimize the impulses.
The task is not to battle distraction, it is to manage it.
The task is not to battle distraction, it is to manage it.
(Its management is necessary for our mental health.)
(Its management is necessary for our mental health.)
I consider distraction as the current systems' strongest tool that makes us obedient and conformed. Our attention is being perpetually pulled from one to the other flashy impulse, headline, infinite irrelevant content packages, our thought stream being disrupted.
I consider distraction as the current systems' strongest tool that makes us obedient and conformed. Our attention is being perpetually pulled from one to the other flashy impulse, headline, infinite irrelevant content packages, our thought stream being disrupted.
Propaganda of today is strong, its tactics are detrimental, ardvertisements bomb us on every step. The outside world penetrates our mind with such a zeal, it is almost impossible to resist it, to finish the thought we have just started without interruption.
Propaganda of today is strong, its tactics are detrimental, ardvertisements bomb us on every step. The outside world penetrates our mind with such a zeal, it is almost impossible to resist it, to finish the thought we have just started without interruption.
To be continuously interrupted, infused with the flood of impulses makes us blind, numb, insensible, inattentive - mainly to ourselves as bodies, as homo sapiens situated in the midst of this complex intertwinement of overwhelming impulses. Our time and conscious attention are swallowed by the black hole, made out of the substance called: distraction. We have sucessfully managed to forget about ourselves, indulged in the virtual reality that became the mirage in the desert of our time.
To be continuously interrupted, infused with the flood of impulses makes us blind, numb, insensible, inattentive - mainly to ourselves as bodies, as homo sapiens situated in the midst of this complex intertwinement of overwhelming impulses. Our time and conscious attention are swallowed by the black hole, made out of the substance called: distraction. We have sucessfully managed to forget about ourselves, indulged in the virtual reality that became the mirage in the desert of our time.
@ -417,7 +135,7 @@ The task is not to battle distraction, it is to manage it.
Being distracted prevents us from noticing that we are governed and manipulated, it takes away our empowerment and therefore we are weakened, not able to intervene, to react. We are less aware of our own emotion, our attention span is shortened, the capability of complex thoughts is crumbling, we dedicate our time to instant indulgence instead of managing our long-term well-being, satisfied by the virtual quick dopamine fix that we are entitled to receive.
Being distracted prevents us from noticing that we are governed and manipulated, it takes away our empowerment and therefore we are weakened, not able to intervene, to react. We are less aware of our own emotion, our attention span is shortened, the capability of complex thoughts is crumbling, we dedicate our time to instant indulgence instead of managing our long-term well-being, satisfied by the virtual quick dopamine fix that we are entitled to receive.
It is a hard task to rewire our mind anew and adopt more optimised patterns of functioning. We run on an autopilot of our subconscious mind taking decisions for us in a much quicker way than the rational, analytic consciousness though. But that does not mean that it is optimal, how we would want it to be. The Distraction Manager disrupts this autopilot and triggers a crucial moment in all of this distractive complexity, it aids us to develop the good habit of checking-in with ourselves from "time to time", a moment of presence and self-care.
It is a hard task to rewire our mind anew and adopt more optimised patterns of functioning. We run on an autopilot of our subconscious mind taking decisions for us in a much quicker way than the rational, analytic consciousness though. But that does not mean that it is optimal, how we would want it to be. The Distraction Manager disrupts this autopilot and triggers a crucial moment in all of this distractive complexity, it aids us to develop the good habit of checking-in with ourselves from "time to time", a moment of presence and self-care.
Sensibilization is the first step. By taking it, we reclaim agency, we empower ourselves to see, to react, to change.
Sensibilization is the first step. By taking it, we reclaim agency, we empower ourselves to see, to react, to change.
@ -425,15 +143,15 @@ We have the capability to expand our attention from only seemingly relevant matt
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Being sensible to ourselves holds another asset. It makes us instinctively sensible to others, our empathy grows. This leads to a change in the way we communicate, being more sensitive and compassionate.
Being sensible to ourselves holds another asset. It makes us instinctively sensible to others, our empathy grows. This leads to a change in the way we communicate, being more sensitive and compassionate.
Communication is the basis of any community, of any conglomeration of individual parts, striving towards mutual understanding and well-being.
Communication is the basis of any community, of any conglomeration of individual parts, striving towards mutual understanding and well-being.
Separate individuals, modules get interconnected by efficient communication channels, functioning as one organism. The overall function of a system is a sum of specific functions of its constitutive parts.
Separate individuals, modules get interconnected by efficient communication channels, functioning as one organism. The overall function of a system is a sum of specific functions of its constitutive parts.
Community is a modular system.
Community is a modular system.
Social contracts are so deeply embedded in us that we don't even see the very possibility of them being questioned, hacked, shaped, remodeled. We are used of acting and interacting in certain ways. We mostly don't react until the moment when something suddenly hits us – when the way humanity functions reveals itself as cruel at a very explicit level. Then, it is too late.
Social contracts are so deeply embedded in us that we don't even see the very possibility of them being questioned, hacked, shaped, remodeled. We are used of acting and interacting in certain ways. We mostly don't react until the moment when something suddenly hits us – when the way humanity functions reveals itself as cruel at a very explicit level. Then, it is too late.
Isn't this aggravating, maddening? It calls for action, it calls for the change in our subconscious patterns of interaction that would allow undistracted, direct, honest, raw and well-intentioned exchange of content.
Isn't this aggravating, maddening? It calls for action, it calls for the change in our subconscious patterns of interaction that would allow undistracted, direct, honest, raw and well-intentioned exchange of content.
@ -464,7 +182,7 @@ Being sensibilized, gaining awareness and gradually understanding the structures
<p>As single modules perform one job and one job well, you will have to anticipate and even require the output of someone elses module in order for yours to work. Coinciding with your research we will create one or several 'outputs' consisting of an interface, electronics and a manual.</p>
<p>As single modules perform one job and one job well, you will have to anticipate and even require the output of someone elses module in order for yours to work. Coinciding with your research we will create one or several 'outputs' consisting of an interface, electronics and a manual.</p>
<p>Txx.uo consolidates two contrasting radio frequency implementation modes: RFID reader scans the cards/objects containing RFID tags using radio waves and LCD screen displays a Q-code* [internationally established three-letter abbreviation used in radio communication].
<p>Txx.uo consolidates two contrasting radio frequency implementation modes: RFID reader scans the cards/objects containing RFID tags using radio waves and LCD screen displays a Q-code* [internationally established three-letter abbreviation used in radio communication].
<br>
<br>
@ -660,27 +378,27 @@ _ ⯐ LDR 🢒🢒 LDR
<br>setup (INTRODUCTION){
<br>setup (INTRODUCTION){
</div>
</div>
<p>This publication documents the work developed during the first trimester of Piet Zwart Institute's Experimental Publishing programme 2019.
<p>This publication documents the work developed during the first trimester of Piet Zwart Institute's Experimental Publishing programme 2019.
<br>It involves working with notions of sound, language and interfaces, towards building a common organism - a modular synthesizer.
<br>It involves working with notions of sound, language and interfaces, towards building a common organism - a modular synthesizer.
<br>
<br>
<br>#define A modular synthesizer consists of separate specialized modules. Each individual module accepts inputs and produces an output. When interconnected, this allows for unexpected results where the whole is greater than the sum of its individual parts.
<br>#define A modular synthesizer consists of separate specialized modules. Each individual module accepts inputs and produces an output. When interconnected, this allows for unexpected results where the whole is greater than the sum of its individual parts.
<br>
<br>
<br>This point of departure led us to produce 10 unique contributions to the common assembly of the publication INPUT-OUTPUT: Tales from another module. Each contribution consists of one or more modules, which represent our individual interests in exploring this medium. Outputs vary between sound, image and text, resulting in an audio-visual performance.
<br>This point of departure led us to produce 10 unique contributions to the common assembly of the publication INPUT-OUTPUT: Tales from another module. Each contribution consists of one or more modules, which represent our individual interests in exploring this medium. Outputs vary between sound, image and text, resulting in an audio-visual performance.
<br>
<br>
<br>The following pages are a compilation of our research and resulting work, complete with instructions of assembly and use. See more on the website: https://issue.xpub.nl/10/
<br>The following pages are a compilation of our research and resulting work, complete with instructions of assembly and use. See more on the website: https://issue.xpub.nl/10/
<divid="define">
<divid="define">
}
}
<br>
<br>
<br>loop (COMPLEXITY ARISES THROUGH CONNECTION){
<br>loop (COMPLEXITY ARISES THROUGH CONNECTION){
</div>
</div>
<br>Faced with the completely unknown world of modular synthesizers, we pushed on toward the edges of our comfort zones. Soldering fumes gave us headaches, learning C/C++ tested our patience, debugging became a daily process.
<br>Faced with the completely unknown world of modular synthesizers, we pushed on toward the edges of our comfort zones. Soldering fumes gave us headaches, learning C/C++ tested our patience, debugging became a daily process.
<br>
<br>
<br>After establishing an initial framework, we were challenged to find our own subjective interests in this vast field, to equip ourselves technically and conceptually, to risk failure.
<br>After establishing an initial framework, we were challenged to find our own subjective interests in this vast field, to equip ourselves technically and conceptually, to risk failure.
The flood of information at first presented itself as a swirl of confusion, but navigation gradually became easier. We got to know the module, it became accessible, something that we could shape, form and use as a medium. The internal hidden workings of a complex system became more transparent and ideas for our individual modules started to develop. We got inspired! By understanding electronic circuits and speaking the language of code, we constructed our own individual modules.<br>
The flood of information at first presented itself as a swirl of confusion, but navigation gradually became easier. We got to know the module, it became accessible, something that we could shape, form and use as a medium. The internal hidden workings of a complex system became more transparent and ideas for our individual modules started to develop. We got inspired! By understanding electronic circuits and speaking the language of code, we constructed our own individual modules.<br>
<br>These are presented in this publication as the most physical and direct trace of our process.
<br>These are presented in this publication as the most physical and direct trace of our process.
<br></p>
<br></p>
<divid="define">
<divid="define">
@ -688,9 +406,9 @@ _ ⯐ LDR 🢒🢒 LDR
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<divid="damla"class="moduleimg">
<divid="damla"class="moduleimg">
<ahref="#damla">
<ahref="#damla">
<imgsrc="img/pcb_damla.png"/>
<imgsrc="img/pcb_damla.png"/>
@ -831,4 +549,4 @@ for (i = 0; i < coll.length; i++) {
Pedro Sá Couto
5 years ago