For this project, I worked with Khizar, Ngelek, and Dylan. Our object was a Room Intercom from Nourse Hall. This intercom was used for announcing male callers waiting in the parlor. It looks extremely similar to the intercom that was in my dorm when I lived in Watson.
Attempting to model an object requires a lot more thought and attention to detail compared to simply viewing one in an exhibition. If you are solely viewing an object, you just need to understand it on a surface level. However, if you are the one modeling the object, you must pay more attention to specific details such as sizing, curvature, dimensions, and subtle features that you may not notice otherwise. When modeling an object you want to make each feature as accurate as possible to the real-life version. This requires you to be precise in observing every detail of the object, not just the ones that are noticeable.
The process of photogrammetry definitely made me look for details in this object I may have otherwise not noticed. For example, if I was simply viewing this image, I would likely only take note of the call and talk buttons or the red flashing light. However, the photogrammetry process encouraged me to observe some of the more subtle shapes and features in the object such as the screws. It also made me think more about the structure of the object, why are the screws inserted the way that they are? Are there circuits or speakers on the inside that they had to avoid damaging? Similarly, through this process I also found myself thinking more about the amount of openings in the intercom. Is this the most efficient amount of openings to allow sound through, but still protect the speaker? Are there other designs that they considered before finalizing this one? By performing a closer inspection of the item, I gave a lot more thought to the history and design choices of the intercom. I believe the process of photogrammetry undoubtedly brought my attention to details I would have otherwise ignored.
2 thoughts on “Blog Post Week 5”
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I agree with your points, and I think you make some really good observations about the details that you might or might not notice based on whether or not an observer is intending to make a model of an object. I did not really notice the screws on the intercom either, but once you pointed them out I realized that they all have different orientations. Details like this can make or break the accuracy of a model, and I think the questions you ask about the intercom are really great for analyzing the design and details of an object.
Since the assignment required you to get to know and understand the object better, did it also change how much attention you paid to the intercom you noticed in Watson? I know it is likely not feasible for you to look at it again, but I now wonder how this one differs from the one you saw before. I also wonder what building the intercom came from.