DIGITAL ARTS MA
PROJECT PROPOSAL
By Mani
Research Question:
• Can the ‘closed’ nature of political information be exploited to create an online community who will share freely and democratise information?
• Explore the commercial, technical and practical ramifications of an international, politics based, user content generated website.
Context
There are several aspects that need to be looked at for the sake of this website. The aesthetic and user friendliness will be rigorously tested through market research and user feedback. The information contained on site including political articles, and documentary footage must all be cleared through research of copyrights and legalities. Also, aspects of freedom of information, the ‘open book’ ethos of the 1960’s and other theoretical, academic aspects of information sharing must be looked at, so that the potential impact of the site can be fully measured and appreciated.
Methodology
The various resources available to me will have a heavy influence on how I go about researching and executing the website;
-Using websites that provide information on the subjects.
-Using focus groups and user feedback in order to refine the website itself.
-Collaborating with lawyers, business support staff and gaining sound business knowledge to ensure a successful launch of the website and minimise potential business mistakes.
Resources
I will need a very powerful, top of the range G5 computer with internet access and large memory. I will also need a Dictaphone for lectures and interviews. I will need to demonstrate a working knowledge pf html and photoshop, as well as other basic office programmes such as Excel. I must have access to web designers, high quality video cameras and studios in which to film interviews etc. Most of these resources will only be required occasionally.
