The Mobile Media Research Group consists of academics and post-graduate students from the Schools of Applied Communication, Creative Media and Computer Science and Information Technology at RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia. Our research is project-based and cross-disciplinary. The evolving and flexible mobile device is implicated in new forms of human behaviour. These behaviours suggest new iterations for the device itself. Our research analyses the ways in which human behaviour and device affordance interpenetrate and shape each other—psychologically, aesthetically, sociologically, commercially and in terms of computing and IT developments. We do three main types of research:

  • experimental network implementation;
  • ethnographic research;
  • experimental media making.

Areas of interest include:

  • pedagogical uses of the mobile phone;
  • interactive mobile networked environments;
  • locative media;
  • micro-screen aesthetics and narratives;
  • how mobile phone use and portable media intersect with communication theory and social theory.

We have a number of projects in development. They include:

Solar-powered bluetooth server

We are currently building our own solar-powered bluetooth server. The device will be portable and run independently of mains power. The prototype, which is currently being tested, can be used in artistic, media, commercial and educational contexts, particularly when location-specific media is being distributed. In the first instance, we envisage the device will promote engagement with issues surrounding the built environment and city lifestyles. However, the opportunity also exists for rural installation.

Future directions for this device will be networking the bluetooth server with wifi infrastructure to create a flexible, peer-to-peer and cost-effective mobile media distribution device.

Commercial applications for context sensitive media, for example bluecasting applications are already being implemented. We expect these opportunities to grow.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Solar panel powering the server

Schematic of the server casing (under construction)

Trains and mobiles: usage survey

We are carrying out ethnographic survey of how people are using their mobile devices on public transport. Does the mobile ameliorate problems currently faced in Melbourne’s public transport system? Is communication or media consumption more prevalent? Is multi-tasking on different devices prevalent? Findings will be published. Survey is being undertaken with cooperation from Connex.

Research Assistant Hugh Macdonald carrying out the surveys at Flinders St Station

Mobile media production

Our members have a number of mobile media and art production projects underway (video, still image and animation). Works include video for mobile phone (for example Urban Myth 1 ) and the Tramtactic project. Our students are also engaged in producing media for the mobile phone.

 

 

 

 

Urban Myth 1 by geniwate

Mobile pedagogy

Our members actively teach in the areas of mobile computing and networked media. Our students are currently learning to make mobile media (in particular video and animation), theorising the future of mobile devices, and undertaking projects in mobile computing. Two of our members, Rachel Wilson and Dean Keep won RMIT teaching awards in 2007 for their approaches to innovative curriculum design and student-centered teaching.

One example of our innovative pedagogy is Dean Keep’s recent position as consultant / trainer on mobile movie making workshops for Digital Mini Film Festival (A VCAL funded project at William Angliss Tafe). The festival was held in Melbourne Oct 07. Mobile Movies distributed via bluetooth enabled ihubs (see http://www.kamilya.org/). Dean also shot and edited the conference videos referring to this project.

Mobile use in public space

Tagged Spaces

We are developing pilot projects which encourage mobile phone communication via tags. One such project is for the tags to contain semacodes which connect to web-based explanations about various artifacts, such as a ghost trail around the old gaol and some of the older buildings within RMIT University.

 

Exhibition work

Well-wishing

In conjunction with a local hospital, develop an installation which allows the public display of well-wishes, sent by text message.

 

Partnerships and collaboration

Our group is interested in collaborating with industry, community organisations and the public sector in both research and production capacities.

 

Meetings and contacts

Meetings of the Mobile Media Group are called on an ad hoc basis. Please email one of the contacts below if you wish to subscribe to the group’s Yahoo group.

For further information contact Dr Marsha Berry in The School of Creative Media (email: marsha.berry@rmit.edu.au); Rachel Wilson in The School of Applied Communication (email: rachel.wilson@rmit.edu.au) or Dr Margaret Hamilton in The School of Computer Science and IT (email: margaret.hamilton@rmit.edu.au).