Cardboard Kingdom Mashup →

I did actually post the link in time before the deadline just the wrong blog! woops. —> http://letsheng.tumblr.com/post/24021719833/final-mashup-cardboard-kingdom

FINAL MASHUP - CARDBOARD KINGDOM

LINK TO MASH-UP

CONCEPT

The main purpose of this mashup was to aggregate live data that would show the most recent papercraft related articles, creations around the world and popular Deviant Art submissions (every 5 days). 

It aims to inform users about popular/new paper craft sources, show mappings of real word activity in ‘cardboard kingdom’ and fresh talent from the deviant art community. 

SOURCES

• Yahoo Pipes
• Deviantart Gallery Search
• Flickr
• GoogleMaps 
• Aggregate RSS Feed = Minicraft Paper + Paperkraft + Instructables + Paper Forest

Some sources listed in previous posts have been removed because rss feeds could not be extracted

DESIGNPROCESS

 Issues

While still grasping the foundations of CSS and HTML, this web mashup proved to be quite a challenge. Having numerous failed attempts at parsing data from feeds using php and javascript, it seemed logical that I stuck to yahoo pipes. The issue with embedding yahoo pipe badges into the webpage is that there is not much flexibility with changing the styles using css.

My original idea was a little ambitious and through the many trials and rethinking, my idea was stripped down to the utmost simplification. By keeping my mash-up simple I intended to use javascript to help present the data in a way that would encourage user interaction (e.g hovers and animations). But with all the failed attempts I decided to let the idea go.

Solutions

My solution to issues encountered with coding up the mash up was always - Yahoo Pipes.
or referring back to online tutorials .

Below are initial design layout ideas for the mash up:

From the brainstorming phase it was decided that the mash-up would remain on one page. Using php/javascript to hide and reveal ‘divs’ or drop down menus that filtered the main information (explains the nav links). 

#design mock-up 1

#design mock-up 2

#design mock-up 3

REFLECTIONS

Due the very simple nature of the mash-up, should have focused more on mobility - responsive design. I see this mash-up as a source I would go to, if I wanted inspiration/ideas when I don’t have access to a computer/fast internet. 

Definitely exercise my html and css skills more often and start learn the basics of php and javascript.

I wish I was skilled enough to pull off some javascript coding on my own (not copying off tutorials), so that my final mash-up could have been a piece that I was proud of. 

Through process of finding data and seeking appropriate methods/mediums to represent them - I now have a much more open mind to open data.  

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Draft interface wire frame #2

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Draft interface wireframe

Possible Data Sources

Papercraft related Blogs:

http://www.paperfoldables.com/

http://papercraftparadise.blogspot.com.au/

http://paperforest.blogspot.com.au/search?updated-max=2011-12-02T14:09:00-08:00

http://www.cubeecraft.com/

http://www.toydesignserved.com/

Websites that feature DIY tutorials:

http://www.instructables.com/

www.youtube.com/

Platform for users to create content:

www.instagram.com

www.twitter.com

www.facebook.com

IDEA DEVELOPMENT

Since I was not feeling very confident in my first mashup concept, I have been looking at various sources for inspiration. Feeling even more uninspired in my idea, I decided to start on a new slate. I moved away from the large economics related data, since they were not really live data. I left the globe concept behind, even though I would like to incorporate some geo location mapping elements to my mash up. I also tried thinking of something more simple. 

I started research based on my personal interests which are DIY projects. I have a very comprehensive collection of different paper colours, patterns and textures due to my love for origami. Well my hobby could go further into paper sculptures and paper toys. So I thought that I should base my Mashup on DIY paper crafts. 

Moreover, my Mashup will retrieve feeds from blogs and websites that feature tutorial projects or downloads for paper projects that only involve CARDBOARD, SCISSORS, GLUE AND MASKING TAPE. 

I would also like to include the feature of have instagram uploads of cardboard creations pop up from a customised (themed) google maps. 

I remember a vast majority of my “toys” as child was the mini restaurant stalls/cars/houses that I had made from cardboard and masking tape.

I was very much inspired by the following videos:

CAINE’S ARCADE

THE SCIENCE OF SLEEP (2006) 

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Zombie Survival Maps Show Danger Zones, Armories and Food Sources for Entire U.S.

"…inadvertently we put these pieces of data into a human context
and by placing data into a human context, it gains meaning."

TEDxVancouver - Jer Thorp - The Weight of Data

(Source: youtube.com)

SPOT →

Twitter tweet visualising tool. 

(Source: infosthetics.com)

Create an Interactive Bubble Chart with HTML5 - Tutorial