Documentation The Machine - Celestin Albers

Project Planning, Management and
Collaborations
As detailed in my position paper, "Mindful
Machines," I divided my project into several
phases. The first phase was dedicated to
research, where I explored the topics outlined in
my position paper and practiced rapid
prototyping. This prototyping phase helped me
develop a methodology that eventually led to the
concept of The Machine, allowing me to bring it
to life within a limited timeframe. I considered
this broader research phase complete when I was
required to develop a project proposal.
Once I had a clear direction, I entered the
practical/execution phase. During this phase, I
conducted more targeted research into
Interactivity Design, Pizza Baking, Vending
Machine Repairs, and Data Collection. I also
reached out to local artists and entrepreneurs
for assistance with designing interactivity and
planning the catering. This is when I connected
with Nikianna Sofia, and together, we began
designing the character Byte.
Throughout this process, I shared my vision with
Niki, discussing what the character would
represent and its role. Niki proposed giving the
character a screen for a face, creating a Droste
effect since the character is also the face of
the machine. Since we both love cats (and, let’s
be real, who doesn’t?), we decided that the
character should have a cat face on its display.
Thus, Chef Byte was born.
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