TEXT.URE synthesizes literary fiction, visual abstraction, and user interaction. It uses a transcendent interface to a non-linear narrative and by encouraging users to explore the visual space it mystifies and subverts the reading process. In the process of investigating the interface [see diagram 01], the user learns how to reveal their version of the story.
The work is inspired by the textural white on white paintings of Kasimir Malevich [see diagram 04]. In TEXT.URE, the relationship between the altitudes traversed by the path and the shape of the story is straightforward. But that simplicity is mitigated by the rugged and unpredictable terrain of the texture [see diagram 02]. Expect difficult browsing.
With the advent of technology we have the ability to develop an interactive system of rules by which a storyline may be produced. Each storyline is different from the next creating a unique experience for each user. We wanted to empower the user to build their own narrative using the words and phrases that the author assembled into a jagged grid with the authoring tool [see diagram 03]. The user doesn't know what each passage is until they trace over the texture. An association is quickly established between the physical motion of the users drawn path and the words shown in the text display. The user is left to synchronize their actions and the words generated. If they trace over a peak they get a different string of text than they would if they explore a valley. In essence TEXT.URE is an exploration in nonlinear browsing. The user is NOT aware of what words come next but what we do provide them are the tools needed to infer in certain respects how the system opperates. The altitude display [see diagram 01] directly correlates to the altitude numbers displayed next to the cursor when it rolls over the terrain.