Re: Interactive Books -Jessica

Like many of you, I did not really start exploring interactive reads until recently because of this class. So I too don't have much knowledge or experience with them; it's all pretty much new territory for me.

With that said, I have no real opposition to interactive books. When done well, I think they can enhance the reader's experience depending on content, age group, and the execution of it. I think the added features aren't necessarily a distraction-- they are what makes the read interactive. Otherwise, why not just buy the book itself off the shelf (which in some cases, is the better alternative)? The interactivity can still allow for readers to spark creativity and re-imagine the story in their own way.

For example Curious George and the Firefighters engages little ones with  animation, audio cues and pronunciations, and can even create their own retelling of the story in the "story theater." It's also made to be read with parents, so it includes tips and pointers for parents on how to guide their little ones with comprehension and language skills from the get-go.

I also love the idea that oldies (such as Curious George) are able to stay relevant to new generations. Interactivity can make old things new again. So why not crossover some of the classics into a modern forum?

Another fun example of a children's interactive book is Little Lamb in Amsterdam. This one reminded me a little bit of some of our current projects with the "fun facts" created in addition to the narrative being told.

I learned about both of these examples on Kirkus Reviews. Check out the link-- they had many other examples of interactivity doing its thing.

Interactive books (Christina)

Agree completely.  In my research, I was overwhelmed with the games (and gaming) and children's books examples of good interactive design. This could be because the new technology lends itself easily to these audiences and was later (more recently) applied to adult book genre.  We seem to be right in the middle of this evolution, so the adult genre will catch up.  I think it adds such an interesting dimension to the book, from the reader perspective.  Meaning, I am a paper book reader BUT if I was really into a book and if I take the time to read it I am, then I'd love to explore more about the book and all that it encompasses.  For this reason, I really had fun designing the interactive experience for The Glass Castle, because I would have loved to have had this information and resources at the click of the mouse, swipe of the screen, when I read it the first time.

Interactive Books - Derek

I'd have to agree with Rich as far as interactive books working better for children books. It's easier for children books to produce games because that's more of the focal point to get kids engaged. As adults it's a little more challenging to engage and still have the story read. I came across this video from that Mike Matas talked about his idea of interactive books. I thought this was interesting and worked for adult books. It's not to flashy and a creative and not a distracting way to get through the story while having the visual elements and keep everything engaging. Check it out.

Interactive Books - Aseloka

I like the idea of interactive books, but I can't say that I've come across many good examples. I do have a few texts here and there that offer a more enhanced reading experience. Being able to look up a definition or follow a link here and there can be useful. But for most books I'm not even really sure that much else needs to be added. One of the things I love so much about reading is the idea of building the story in my own imagination. And as much as I love good illustration, I think this is the way it should be. It's important that interactivity doesn't take away from the text itself. If you add interactivity it should be to enhance the reading experience not distract from it. I like to think that what we're doing with this assignment doesn't inhibit the reader's connection to the story. I've tried to setup my book that way at least. I want my reader to still be able to 'contribute' to the story.

I believe this should be true for children's books as well. It's especially important for children to learn to create a sense of story on their own. That's not to say that there shouldn't be any pictures but the bells and whistles still shouldn't impede the story. I've never been a parent to a small child so I'm not sure how possible that is, but I can imagine myself being a stickler and limiting my children's screen time for that very reason. My mom did it to me and I believe it was one of the best parenting choices she could've made and I will (if I ever have them) torture my children accordingly.

Interactive Books- Derrick

Since our last project is designing with an interactive book, I've been spending a lot of time looking at them for inspiration and to really see how they work. I've found myself fascinated by of some of them. Maybe it's because I haven't read many interactive books or because it's so much that can be done with the interactive books. I was thinking how if I really would design one, how cool it could be ;). However, I've found that a lot of the books that I found seem to be built around games. I feel like those kinds of books are taking away from the actual enjoyment of reading the book… Or maybe that's intentional? I'm not sure. But, what do you guys think about interactive books being too focused on games and not so much content? Don't get me wrong, I do enjoy the games but I feel like I'm not actually reading the book. I definitely wouldn't retain anything from it, besides the awesome designs.

Here are some books that I've been looking at that worked pretty well.

Breaking Convention - Aseloka

I don't know that I have a lot of experience with this. Most of the books that I read are pretty straightforword. The Cheese Monkey's by Chipp Kid which I brought in last week definitely fits that description of breaking convention but I can't say that I've read it. I will say, however, that the cover and front matter which are clearly unconventional are definitely a lot of fun. And I appreciate this sort of break in the monotony in this particular example. It makes that book more interesting. It makes me want to read it.

Where I get concerned is when the text itself or the body copy have unexpected elements. I'm the type of person who likes to obtain information and I view grammar and syntax and structure in copy as a means to that end; an important one at that. I hesitate when I see unconventional elements that cause disruption or uncertainty. Doing something different for intrigue is one thing, but I draw the line when it impedes the overall purpose of the text.

Breaking Convention-Adina

Sadly enough, the perfect book I have in mind, I can't find any images to supply. But the book is The Collective Writings of Joe Brainard and it reminds me of the book Derek brought in on Tuesday, as the book is all over the place. What I like about this book is its inconsistencies with structure. It is definitely a visual book that compliments the works featured within the book as a whole. It opens with Brainard's well-known piece I Remember, in the same linear structure in which the story is formatted in the original book. As the book progresses, they are drawing, letters, etc shaped on the page the way the artist created them. I thought this was pretty impressive and engaging and of course different!

Re: Breaking Convention- Nicole

My very small collection of books does not leave room for to much weird and strange things. Most of them are graphic design text books. I did a little google search on strange books and this link popped up. Some are strange titles and some are strange covers. It's still fun to look at but I can't really say if its working with the information inside the books. Either way...

http://www.weirdomatic.com/strange-book-covers.html

Re: Breaking Convention - Kate

Rather than look at the design of books, I took a look at some books that break traditional structure with their writing and organizational systems. I'll list a few here:

The Sound and the Fury by William Faulkner: this book is written in stream-of-consciousness and has only four chapters. The first three follow three brothers on three separate days and the fourth chapter follows the thoughts of their cook.

Slaughterhouse Five by Kurt Vonnegut: the chapters in this book are not organized by time or location. The story of the past, present and future of the Billy Pilgrim is told in a non-linear fashion and the chapters are presented to the reader in a way that best showcases his character, which builds from beginning to end.

A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man by James Joyce: what makes this book unique in structure is they way that the character is developed through the writing. The main character, Stephen, starts as a child and the writing is in his level of vocabulary, though it's not his voice. The narrator is sympathetic and non-judgmental. As Stephen grows up, the vocabulary grows as well until the last chapter closes with the narrator in the voice of a slightly affected young artist.

Breaking convention (Christina)

Pulled directly from Flavorwire:

This edition of Edgar Allan Poe’s short story “The Imp of the Perverse,” designed by Helen Friel, must be destroyed to be properly read. Friel explains, “‘The Imp of the Perverse’ discusses the voice inside all of us that makes us to do things we know we shouldn’t do. Each page is perforated in a grid system with sections of the text missing. Readers must follow the simple instructions to tear and fold specific sections to reveal the missing text. Books are usually precious objects and the destruction is engineered to give the reader conflicting feelings, do they keep the book in it’s perfect untorn form? Or give into the imp and enjoy tearing it apart?”
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Jessica - Is this what you're referring to for the blog topic?  If nothing else, it serves the purpose of showing an example of an interactive book. 

Breaking Convention -Derrick

I've came across a lot of interesting designs for binding books when I was working on project two. As I was cruising youtube and browsing the net, I came across some beautiful handmade books from Natalie Stopka. She integrates creative bindings and techniques within her works. She use ribbons, fibers, patterns intertwined within the binding. Her work really inspired me because it was so different from a lot of the other articles I was reading and just the general look and feel of what I perceived a book to resemble. I admire the fact that she uses a traditional method with a touch of her own creativity.

                                         
                                          

Click on here name to link to her site or click "here".

Breaking Convention - Derek

My book that I showed Caffine for the Creative Mind is a book that is very unconventional and rythmic. There are no two pages that are the same and each page has its own element. Below are some books that are on my reading list for the future that I think are unconventional. The covers are break all the grid rules, but leave a memorable impression.



The Elements of Graphic Design


Making and breaking the grid


Type: A Visual History of Typefaces and Graphic Styles