Blog 5: Reflecting on the Showcase

November 6, 2024

As the project manager for The Fading of the Swans, I am thrilled to reflect on the successful showcase of our project at the University of Waterloo’s Stratford School of Interaction Design and Business. The event took place in the Atrium of the GBDA building at 125 St. Patrick St., where innovation, creativity, and interactive design combined for an unforgettable experience. Our team of 9 people was privileged to share our immersive project with a diverse audience, ranging from Stratford City Hall staff and community members to Lights On Stratford collaborators, GBDA faculty, and curious public attendees.

Setting the Stage and Engaging with Our Audience

On the morning of November 6, excitement and anticipation filled the air as we set up our prototype booth. I brought candy to entice the guests to come to our station and learn about our project prototype, while other group members brought decorations such as tablecloths, yarn, postcards and posters, swan feet, and flowers to deck out and sell our booth. We had a large flatscreen TV, where Harry and Ruidong were able to showcase their game to other GBDAers and guests. Most of the feedback was positive, and people seemed impressed with our prototype.

We got some constructive criticism from Karen, a GBDA professor many of us have had in the past, and plan to use her feedback to make our final project even better. One of the most rewarding aspects of the day was the opportunity to present our project and engage with guests. Most team members played an essential role in answering questions and explaining how our installation invited users to interact with the narrative of the swans—moving from past to present and into an uncertain future. The interactive element drew considerable interest, as attendees were able to see firsthand how their actions influenced the visuals, creating subtle shifts in the present phase and more dramatic effects in the future phase.

The Impact of the Showcase 

This showcase was not just a presentation; it was a platform for connection and reflection. The guests left with a deeper understanding of our city’s relationship with nature and the urgency of conservation efforts. The general public’s reactions underscored the importance of creating art that speaks to local heritage while raising awareness about broader global issues.

The experience at the showcase has reaffirmed our team’s passion for blending art, technology, and environmental consciousness. We left with valuable insights and renewed energy to refine The Fading of the Swans for future public displays and potential collaborations with community organizations. In the next 3 weeks, we aim to refine our interactive installation and continue marketing our project on Instagram and Facebook. While the journey has been fun so far, the job is not finished, and our team is looking forward to a packed month of preparing for the finale.