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LOST IN TRANSLATIONThe perils and opportunities of adapting ideas to new media
Scott Kim • Jun 9, 2005 • scottkim.com
We often adapt works
Book Living Book: Arthur Manipulative computer: Tangrams Apple II Palm: Tom O’Brien’s games
But some adaptations fail
Works poorly on computer because 3D manipulation is awkward
http://www.javaonthebrain.com/java/rubik/
How do you do adapt ideas well?
1. ADAPTATION
2. VARIATION
3. INNOVATION
4. FULL CIRCLE
1. ADAPTATION
6 rules for success
Some ideas adapt well
Drama: Shakespeare Music: Bach Computer games: Arcade to mobile
Rule 1. Choose the right game
Tangrams
Rule 2. Know your audience
Younger = bigger, simpler, more basic
Rule 3. Know the medium
Output — size, resolution, sound Input — degrees of freedom, control Storage — size, persistence, network
Comparing media
What do you give up?
What stays the same?
What do you gain?
ME
DIU
M 1
ME
DIU
M 2
Physical vs. Computer
Tactile manipulation
Geometric shapes
Nonphysical moves
PH
YS
ICA
L
CO
MP
UT
ER
http://www.tangram.i-p.com/
Rule 4. Avoid what’s hard
Moving pieces is hard on computer Can move only one piece at a time Hard to check solution correctness
Juniornet Positions
restricted to a grid
Rotations restricted to 90 degrees
Rule 5. Keep what’s essential
What stays the same? Surface form Core gameplay Player experience
Discover Magazine
Goal: find each outlined shape in the grid
Phone
Which shapes can by overlapping the 2 pieces?
Rule 6. Add what’s possible
What is unique to the medium? How can that add to the game? Experiment and see where that leads!
Math Dance
Giant tangrams lead to group manipulation
2. VARIATION
4 ways to change an idea
Theme & Variation
Music: Goldberg Variations Literature: Exercises in Style Games: arcade / puzzle / 2-player modes
1. Vary shape: Pentominoes
12 shapes, each made of 5 squares
Calendar
Which shapes can be made with the 2 pieces?
2. Vary movement: Concave Convex
No rotation. Overlapping allowed.http://iangilman.com/software/heavenearth.html
3. Vary goal: Puzzle Inlay
Goal: fill the shapes within time limit
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http://www.gamehouse.com/puzzleinlay/?display=buy
4. Mutation: Tetris
Pentominoes + falling = clear lines
What the computer adds Convenient access Improved interface Undo Levels of difficulty Interactive tutorials Automated opponent Algorithmically-generated puzzles Bells & whistles
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3. INNOVATION
Taking a big leap
Take poetic license
Romeo & Juliet West Side Story ‘Twas brillig, and the slithy toves
Did gyre and gimble in the wabe Es brillig war. Die schlichten Toven Wirrten und wimmelten in Waben
Back to Rubik’s Cube
1. Avoid what’s hard
3D is hard on computer. So go 2D.
1. Avoid what’s hard
Rubik’s cube is a permutation puzzle
Like a 2D sliding block puzzle
2. Keep what’s essential
Multiple pieces move at the same time.
2. Keep what’s essential
In physical sliding block puzzles one piece moves at a time
3. Add what’s possible
Computer enables nonphysical moves
3. Add what’s possible
On computer, noncontiguous pieces can move simultaneously.
Cogito
2D puzzle Slide row/column With wraparound Fill 9 center squares 100 levels
4. Going further
Pick out a core idea Rubik’s cube: simultaneous motion Change everything else Just 2 simultaneously moving objects
Double Maze
Move both balls onto both stars at the same time
http://www.shufflebrain.com/doublemaze.html
4. FULL CIRCLE
New possibilities in old media
Newer ≠ Better
Technology is fueled by obsolescence Harry Potter (print) Tetris (old arcade game) Apple II educational games
Use multiple media together
PBS =
Television (draws you in)
+ Web (connect you to more info)
+ Books (for more depth)
Underuse Technology
Living Books (work within limits)
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Underuse Technology
Living Books (work within limits) You Don’t Know Jack (audio)
Underuse Technology
Living Books (work within limits) You Don’t Know Jack (audio) Daily Puzzle (focus on content)
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CONCLUSIONS
Choose the right game
Know your audience
Know your medium
Avoid weaknesses, use strengths
1. ADAPTATION
Vary shape Vary movement Vary goal Mutation
1. ADAPTATION
2. VARIATION
Take poetic license Keep core, change everything else What’s wrong with the original?
1. ADAPTATION
2. VARIATION
3. INNOVATION
Newer ≠ better Use multiple media together Underuse technology
1. ADAPTATION
2. VARIATION
3. INNOVATION
4. FULL CIRCLE
Good ideas transcend technology
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