Computerless Algorithm

Pseudo Code- By: Sin Yi Betty Cheog

"Teaching a cat to sit with treats"

while cat not in sight

• shake treat bag

if cat in sight

• open treat bag and retrieve treat

if cat gives attention

• command sit with treat in hand

else

• wave treat in hand

while cat not sitting

• hold treat in hand

if cat sits

• give cat treat

Video Documentation

Cristal Sung's Computerless Algorithm

For my computerless algorithm, I wanted to teach the class how to dougie. Dougie is a dance move that originated in the 80s and 90s. The song Teach Me How to Dougie by Cali Swag District came out last year and brought dougie to the mainstream.

How To Dougie

//variables

beat - Teach Me How to Dougie by Cali Swag District;

lean - weight moves onto one foot;

void setup() {

bend knees; //setup basic posture

play beat and identify beat;

}

void draw() {

beat lean right;

beat lean left;

beat/2 lean right;

beat/2 lean left;

if (comfortable) {

add moves ();

}

else {

repeat draw();

}

void add moves() {

beat, right hand touches head, bring down;

beat, left hand touches head, bring down;

beat/2 left arm up, bring down;

beat/2 right arm up, bring down;

}

Lauren Bonsell - Computerless Algorithm Documentation

Jan 19/11
Lauren Bonsell

After many thoughts and ideas I came up with a fun computerless algorithm that involved the class in making the beat to "We Will Rock You" by Queen. I came up with ideas that invovled different emotions such as greed, jealously, discomfort, etc. but none of the algorithms I invented were very engaging. While planning this assignment a Queen song came on my playlist and it made me think of the class syllabus. I was greatly disappointed by my fellow generation classmates when they didn't understand the Pink Floyd refrence within the syllabus. I thought I could use this assignment as an opportunity to engage the class in a little fun and introduce them to a little more classic rock that they might be more familiar with. 

My Observations: The simplicity of the algorithm and by exposing the audience to it, the beat was recognized (I would say) almost instantly. The audience participated identically to how I imagined. The song beat was recreated by the class. Although the algorithm suggested a neverending repetition, a time limit was implied despite the flaw, and everyone kind of died down simultaneously. 

Pseudo Code:
Hands = 2
Thighs = 2
Initialize clap to 0
Initialize slap to 0
Begin
   slap Thighs = twice
   clap Hands = once
Repeat

//syncing
If clap >= once
   While
        slap < twice
   endWhile
   restart
endIf

End

Jonathan S' Computerless Algorithm

Algorithm

1. Flip sequentially to the page with "1" on it and flip back.

2. Was there space to write 3 words?

• Yes: Remember this page and continue to step 3.
• No: Flip to the next sequential blank page and remember it

3. Flip to your remembered page.

4. Is there writing on your page?

• Yes: write 3 words that fit contextually with the writing on the page.
• No: If there is a previous page with writing (excluding the algorithmn)
  Yes: Write 3 words that fit contextually with the writing on the
  last page.
  No: Write 3 words that start a sentence.

5. Did someone pass you this notebook?

• Yes: Remember this person as "passer".

6. Do you have a neighbour that is not "passer"? (A neighbour would be beside you)

• Yes: Pass the notebook to this neighbour and tell them to execute the algorithm
• No: Do you have someone behind you?
  Yes: Pass the notebook to them and tell them to execute the
  algorithm
  No: Bring the notebook to the front and give it back to
  Jonathan.

Here's a picture of the algorithm in progress

The goal of the algorithm was to have each classmate contribute 3 words to some sort of narrative or discourse and pass it on to the next classmate until there are no more classmates. As a result I ended up with the following in my notebook:

"There once was a man who liked to dance and sing. He also loved listening to music. Yesterday he danced with his dog outside in the super smelly washroom drank although pregnant. Someone noticed him and called 911. too gay! :) (<- what?) And then he went to the class-room and he wet his pants. BUT THEN AFTER, SHIT HIMSELF AND had to use a washroom to clean his messy bum for he was uncomfortable. He decided to flick my bic"

Thank you to my wonderful and imaginative colleagues for taking part and contributing to my notebook.

Lilian C's computerless algorithm

//how to define a thief

int pt = 0;//accumulate points to check if a person is a thief
int person;

void setup(){

}

void draw(){
checking();
calculatingPoints();
}

void checking(){
if (person == shifty eyes){ //check if a person has shifty eyes
pt++;
}

if (person == big bags){ //check if a person has big bags
pt++;
}

if (person == sneaky){//check if a person is sneaky
pt++;
}

if (person == afaid){//check if a person is afraid
pt++;
}
if (person == paranoid){//check if a person is paranoid
pt++;
}

if (person == hands are clamy || sweaty){//check if a person is clamy or sweaty
pt++;
}

if (person == nervous){//check if a person is nervous
pt++;
}

if (person == shaky){//check if a person is shaky
pt++;
}
else{
pt += 0;
}
}

void calculatingPoints(){
if (pt < style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);">else if (pt > = 4 && pt < = 5){ keep and eye on that person; } else {
invesgate that person;
}
}

Linda L's Computerless Algorithm

A Childhood Clapping Game

setup {

player1 right hand against player2's right hand (palm)

player1 left hand on player2 left hand's back

speed = fast

}

set1 {

player1, player2 clap own hands

player1 right hand clap player2's right hand

repeat++

}

set2 {

player1, player2 clap own hands

player1 left hand clap player2's left hand

repeat++

}

set3 {

player1, player2 clap own hands

player1 clap back of both hands against player2's back

player1 clap palms of both hands against player2's palms

repeat++

}

if no one messed up the pattern, continue {

set1

set2

set3

}

Olivia K's Computerless Algorithm

For my computerless algorithm, my initial idea was to make random passerby's feel awkward, then I thought the idea of observing their reaction would be interesting too. When most people feel overwhelmed or find themselves in a weird situation, they ignore their environment. I predicted that for this experiment, people would ignore our waves and "hi's" and keep walking like nothing happened. I was surprised at how many people reacted and gave us a wave back and even started chatting to the class about what we were doing. It was nice to get positive feedback and smiles back from people from our interaction with them :)

Sherilyn F's computerless algorithm

Setup

• pick a few students in the class and call them up

Execute.

1. The first person picks either the word "big" or "small", and represents it with the opposite body gesture.
2. the second person picks the other word and represents it with it's opposite action and so on.
3. The purpose is to cause confusion .
   

Chloe M's Comuterless Algorithm

My computerless algorithm was "Taking a Photograph". It essentially breaks down some of the major steps in taking a picture if you were to follow a 'by the book' method. Photography is very subjective, so this guide isn't necessarily helpful to every photographer.

Here is my algorithm;


And this is the result of the algorithm being followed through.

Megan S's Computerless Algorithm

I decided to do a handshake for my computerless algorithm, more specifically, how to shake hands after an agreement is made.
Everyone shakes hands a little differently, but I find that if the handshake is really soft or awkward to solidify an agreement, it seems like it hasn't actually happened.
I documented this using video and Amanda was great enough to read out the algorithm I wrote.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9RfJRBKM26I

Nancy J and Shea Al-Khair's Computerless Algorithm

Involves two participants A and B

A: Set up a chair at front table
B: Sits down
A: Hand the gift bag to  B (Step away)
B: Response “For me”? With a smile, open the bag
    ⁃    A balloon will pop out 
    ⁃    Hold balloon and with the black marker, draw eyes
    ⁃    Draw lips with red marker
    ⁃    Hold the balloon in hands
    ⁃    Look adoringly and say “I love you”!
A:  Walk by and burst balloon. Look justified
B:  Look sad

Description:
This algorithm is meant to be seen along the line of performance art.  We wanted the instructions to be simple and not complicated.  The script we created is meant to be funny with the element of surprise for the spectators.  In theory a gift was given and in a sense it was taken away.  If one wants to look deeper into it, one might look at the  balloon as a real person.   A 'personality' consists of many different elements and of varied traits.  Perhaps a person may wear one mask for work, for school and for all of our interpersonal relationships.  The bursting of the balloon could represent the shattering of an ideal  image we might impose on a person. 

Winnie K's Computerless Algorithm

My computerless algorithm was based on an observation I have made many times in class. Not everyone pays attention! Most students are on facebook, chatting on msn or checking their emails. While I was thinking of making an algorithm that would embarrass students who didn't pay attention in class I also realized that students who do listen in class never really get anything (of course aside from an enriched learning experience). I decided to go the route of rewarding students instead of embarrassing them.

My algorithm went something like this:

void setup() {

walk into classroom;

}

void draw() {

studentCheck();

teachersPet();

sitDown();

}

void studentCheck() {

for (go to nearest student that has not been checked; if all students have been checked, skip to next step; head to next student)

if (student = paying attention in class) {

give candy;

}

else if (student = on laptop && not doing anything relevant for the class && student is not paying attention) {

do not give candy;

}

}

void teachersPet() {

give prof a candy;

}

void sitDown() {

go sit in your seat;

eat a candy;

}

I decided that my algorithm would run in the 'background' while other people did their own so I could really see who would be paying attention or not. I found it difficult as to who I would give a candy to since most students would be on their laptop and occasionally listen to what was going on in class. Maybe next time my algorithm will include the degree in which one person is listening in class (ex. one candy for having a laptop open but listening in class, two candies for no laptop open and listening in class).

Jenny R's Computerless Algorithm

1. With 2-3 students

Setup

You will receive a pencil and a piece of blank paper

Pick one of the coloured papers of your choice (from the package of coloured papers)

Find a seat/somewhere that you can draw/write

2. Run / Performance / Execute

With your blank paper and pencil you've been given, draw/write or create anything that you feel represents that colour best.

or/else

Something that you can relate the colour with

[ This can be words, phrases, poetry, illustration etc ]

If not satisfied - Turn paper over and try again, this will be your final outcome

When Satisfied.

3. Outcome:

Show your drawing to class,

possibly discuss?

Purpose: to see how people associate themselves and their thoughts with colour ( visuals vs. words)

The Outcome? this is what people did:

It would have been interesting to let people write on the coloured paper, or use the coloured paper to physically create something - this might have made the results a bit more interesting. Overall, its quite clear that many people associate colour with actual physical things or objects rather than words.

Melissa P's Computerless Algorithm

Computerless Algorithm - Put on my face?

Having someone else apply my make up based solely on these instructions.

Make-up is a way of representing oneself. It is a personal choice to wear and to choose how to apply it, what colours to wear etc... In my algorithm I put the way I represent myself into the hands of someone else. These are the instructions they had to follow:

//Defining variables

round brush = long silver brush with rounded tip

eyeliner = round container with black inside labelled Eye studio

eyeliner brush = long black brush with hard tip

double tip brush = blue brush with flat tip on one end and fatter tip on the other

eyeshadow = black box labelled Sephora

open eyeshadow = opening the box

void setup () {

//seat makeup subject in chair

//position make up and make up brushes close to the subject

// position yourself in front of the subject and close to the make up

//ask the subject to close their eyes so you can put makeup on them

void draw() {

open eyeshadow;

base colour (light beige);

for (light beige as base colour) {

(round brush dipped in light beige covers the area of the eyelid up to the eyebrows with light beige);

(repeat on second eye);

(move to the next step once both eyes are done);

}

second color (gold);

for (gold as second colour) {

(flat tip of double tip brush dipped in gold covers the area of the eyelid up to the crease with gold);

(repeat on second eye);

(move to the next step once both eyes are done);

}

third colour (aqua blue);

for (aqua blue as third colour) {

(flat tip of the double tip brush dipped in gold covers half of the area of the eyelid from the outside of the eyelid to the centre);

(repeat on second eye);

(move to the next step once both eyes are done);

}

liner (eyeliner ++ eyeliner brush);

for (liner) {

(dip the eyeliner brush into the eyeliner);

(use the eyeliner brush that now has eyeliner on it to draw a line on the eyelid that follows and is located just above the eyelashes);

(repeat on second eye);

(ask the subject to open their eyes);

}

}

I found that my algorithm was interesting because it explored a few different areas of social interaction. First of all the person who is having there make-up done (me) has no control over what is happening to their face, how they are represented. It is like having someone else create your avatar in a virtual world. Second, there is the person doing the make-up, and in this case it was interesting to have a man be the person who applied the make-up. Not only was he uncomfortable be in charge of the way someone else looked, but he also likely has never interacted with make-up at all. It would be interesting to expand this work into the realm of new media by integrating avatars, or to expand it in its social context it would be interesting to line up a group of people in chairs to have their make up done by a group of random people. The people would have to follow the same set of instructions. It would be interesting to see the different outcomes and the interactions people would have.

Konstantino K's Computerless Algorithm

In my project, I chose to explore a process of the human subconscious -- that is, our thought process when choosing where to seat ourselves. We encounter variants of this phenomenon on a regular basis each day, whether it be on the subway or in the classroom.

To make this a fairly manageable task, I made an algorithm specific to our classroom (where there are three rows of seats on either side of the class with an aisle in the centre). Furthermore, because not every person chooses a seat in precisely the same way, I developed three stereotypical personalities that would function like boolean variables in the algorithm -- that is, they can be true or false. For the scope of this project, the personalities were:

1. The mark seeker (Someone who would typically sit towards the front of the class, most likely to make eye contact with the professor regularly.)
2. The social outcast (Someone who typically prefers the back-most seats, preferably next to the window if possible. In the case of the algorithm, these people have no friends within the class at the moment of seating.)
3. The social butterfly (Someone who has at least one friend in the class at their moment of being seated. In some unfortunate cases a butterfly can become an outcast, even if they have a friend in the room. More on that later.)

To better understand this algorithm, it would be best to first view it in its entirety. But allow me to give you fair warning: the code is notably dense. Phrases marked in red mean the algorithm has reached a conclusive result.

//define variables
boolean markSeeker
boolean socialOutcast
boolean socialButterfly
boolean available //a seat that is empty
boolean unavailable //a seat being occupied
boolean hasFriends //used to determine socialOutcast/Butterfly scenario

//analyze how many free seats there are in the room:

• look at first seat
• is the seat empty?
• YES: mark as "available"
• NO: mark as "unavailable"
• look at next unmarked seat (return to "is the seat empty?")
• (when all seats are marked, go to next step)

//determine seat-search type:

• are your grades the most valuable thing to you in this class?
• YES: "markSeeker" = TRUE
• NO: go to next step
• is "hasFriends" TRUE? --> socialButterfly = TRUE
• is "hasFriends" FALSE? --> socialOutcast = TRUE

IF markSeeker = TRUE {

• is the front-centre seat (left or right side) "available"?
• YES: sit in it
• NO: is the seat next to it "available"?

• YES: sit in it
• NO: (return to "is the seat next to it 'available'?" above)

• is the next row-center seat (left or right side) "available"?
• YES: sit in it
• NO: (return to "is the seat next to it 'available'?" above)
  

}

IF socialOutcast = TRUE {

• is the back-most window seat "available"?
• YES: sit in it
• NO: is the seat next to it "available"?

• YES: sit in it
• NO: (return to "is the seat next to it 'available'?")

• do you have a seat yet?
• YES: done
• NO: are there any "available" seats?

• YES: sit at random
• NO: sit on the floor OR remain standing
  

}

IF socialButterfly = TRUE {

have any of your friends made a seat "unavailable"?

• YES: is there an "available" seat next to them?

• YES: do they have another friend they would rather sit next to?

• YES: socialButterfly = FALSE, socialOutcast = TRUE
• NO: sit in the "available" seat next to them

• NO: do you have another friend making a seat "unavailable"?

• YES: (return to "is there an 'available' seat next to them?")
• NO: socialButterfly = FALSE, socialOutcast = TRUE

• NO: socialButterfly = FALSE, socialOutcast = TRUE
  

}

As you can see, the scenario for the "social butterfly" is not only the most complicated, but also the most unstable. Despite an apparent surplus of friends, there is always the possibility that you will end up seated like a "social outcast."


Unfortunately, none of these stereotypical personalities can be strictly proven true to in real life. Similarly it would be impossible to create a universal system for finding the best possible seat for every person on the planet. This was more so an exercise to demonstrate that there is an intricate thinking process involved in these types of behaviours, and perhaps to understand just how complicated the tiny things we do every day (often times within a split second) truly are.

Alex J's Computerless Algorithm

For my computer less algorithm, I decided to make an algorithm that would simulate CSI character David Caruso’s infamous puns. If you do not watch CSI and have no idea what I am talking about, this comic provided by the internet should give you the basic gist of it:

http://cheezcomixed.files.wordpress.com/2010/06/129189543486164869.jpg

He actually does this, all the time. So as a parody and mock-homage to this, I made a complex pun/sunglasses algorithm created with the syntax and structure of a processing sketch. It was hand written, and the only copy I had was handed in, so I can’t show the whole thing here. I’ll just summarize it:

- Analyze for pun function (checked If the situation, and timing were appropriate for a pun, as well as checking if the people around would be receptive to it)

o If return= true, say the pun

o Else , wait until opportune moment

- The Pun class contained the basic structure of a David Caruso Pun (“Well I guess” + pun + “YEAAAAAAAAAAHHHH”)

- There was a move function that contained instructions for putting on the sunglasses as you said the pun

As far as placing this into a new media context goes, I have always been interested in computer-generated sentences and communication. Chat bots for example, and David Rokeby’s Giver of Names project in particular are prime examples of this. The creation of a David Caruso pun generator that used input not from hilariously unlikely crime scenes, but from prominent and important issues of the day (terrorism, poverty, etc) would be a shocking installation. The combination of light-hearted pop culture with important serious issues would create great contrast and emphasize how the modern issues of today are often overshadowed by the latest trend or phase. News papers give coverage to some Justin Beiber video gone viral, instead of reporting on stories that have validity and importance to them.