Interactive examples

Dave Werner: Taking interactivity to the next level

My all-time favorite portfolio website is still Dave Werner’s site from 2006. It was both a FWA “Site of the Day” and “Site of the Month” back in February 2006, and continues to inspire many today. The After Effects animations, design and attention to detail are magnificent. For each of his portfolio pieces, he has a video detailing the process, along with sketches and storyboards along the way. He even has a video for his about page! The time and effort that went into this site is admirable, and has really paid off.

Dave is now Creative Director and Founder of Minor Studios, an animation company based in San Francisco. Their first big project, Atmosphir, is a prime example of the possibilities for gaming and interactivity in the near future. They have created an interface that allows users to create their own game, with different elements and dangers, and then allows them to play their creation! Whether they add moving platforms, chasms, fireball-breathing birds, or spikes, their imagination is the limit as they determine the level of difficulty and innovation for their particular game. While still in beta mode, Atmosphir has already proven that the online gaming world is about to change forever.

Take the time to watch their video presentation of Atmosphir. (Their links aren’t currently working — they must be too busy gaming! — so for now scroll down to the bottom to the Sept 18th entry). I watched the video this morning and got goosebumps. This opens so many doors for journalists, computer programmers and gamers, with the possibility to add this level of interactivity and innovation to future projects.

Topics for discussion:
What do you think of Dave Werner’s portfolio site – excessive and over the top, or appropriate and inspiring?

After watching their video presentation of Atmosphir, how can you use their level of interactivity, innovation and creativity for your projects? More specifically, for the journalists out there, how can you bring elements of gaming into your storytelling projects?

Other posts that might interest you:

• Toyota Why Not? Innovation Experience incorporates user input into interactive contest
• Roanoke.com launches a virtual museum for the opening of the Taubman Museum of Art
• Got Milk? uses interactivity and games in successful advertising campaign

© 16 October 2008 Innovative Interactivity (II).