Research into Locative Media.

To produce a professional end-product, it was necessary to complete a course of research into locative media. Locative media is a relatively new media form, in the instance of this project relying on high-technology present in today's smartphones. New media can, such as in my project, be used to convey a narrative to the audience at predetermined points:

"Narrative works designed for delivery via such 'locative media' seek to tell stories that unfold in real space... Narrative works in locative media are unique in that they engage the body of the participant as the agent that drives the narrative forward, revealing location-specific information though physical movement." (Hawk, B. et al, 2008, pg129)

Locative media can be considered a form of 'new media', in that it does not fall into any category of 'traditional' media types such as newspaper, books or journals. In keeping with the progression and popularisation of new media types within the modern age, a prediction can be made that Locative media will follow suit and become a more popular medium in the future:

"...nearly all of the discussions of new media to a greater or lesser degree make claims that they transform, or will soon transform (or transcend) day-to-day life, its spatio-temporal limits, its restrictions and power structures. The nature of this transformation is contentious; for some observers new media offer new creativities and possibilities, for others they reinforce and extend existing social constraints and power relationships." (Lister, M, and Dovey, J., 2009, pg239)

I have found that my time using the Empedia platform has, on the whole been enjoyable. However, obvious issues with 'bugs' in the site have hindered the smooth usage of the platform somewhat. When Empedia progresses beyond the beta stage into a more rounded platform, I can see it being an intuitive site that is easily accessible and simple to use for a wider audience.