The Infinite Mind
Client Profile and Challenge
The Infinite Mind public radio show, produced by LC Media, focused on the latest in neuroscience, the neurobiology of human behavior, mental illness and wellness. The weekly show was experiencing success shown by a loyal following. Through existing social groups in the virtual world of Second Life, they wanted to involve their listeners in the production process and research behind the show.
The Infinite Mind public radio show, produced by LC Media, focused on the latest in neuroscience, the neurobiology of human behavior, mental illness and wellness. The weekly show was experiencing success shown by a loyal following. Through existing social groups in the virtual world of Second Life, they wanted to involve their listeners in the production process and research behind the show.
Solution
Based in Boston, MA, the radio show operated out of a small office and used satellite studios for production, which decentralized the process. In the discovery phase of the project the team at LC Media stated they had “never had a real studio” where listeners could view and take part in the show. It seemed natural that the first step of the design phase was to give them a highly interactive virtual campus where the production staff could interact with listeners, receive feedback about past shows and allow social groups in Second Life a place to gather and talk about the issues discussed on the radio show.
The Infinite Mind Campus design included a virtual reality production studio, an audio archives library and lounge, a lecture hall and an outdoor amphitheater for larger audiences and events.
In addition to managing and overseeing the physical design of the virtual space, I was involved in the planning, publicizing and execution of a four-part show called “Through the Looking Glass” which explored the realities of virtual reality. It was broadcast into Second Life to a live audience. Guests included singer/songwriter Suzanne Vega, best-selling novelist Kurt Vonnegut, futurist Howard Rheingold and MIT professor/author John Maeda, all interviewed by journalist John Hockenberry. Among many other firsts in this event, Suzanne Vega became the first major record label artist to perform in avatar form in Second Life.
Based in Boston, MA, the radio show operated out of a small office and used satellite studios for production, which decentralized the process. In the discovery phase of the project the team at LC Media stated they had “never had a real studio” where listeners could view and take part in the show. It seemed natural that the first step of the design phase was to give them a highly interactive virtual campus where the production staff could interact with listeners, receive feedback about past shows and allow social groups in Second Life a place to gather and talk about the issues discussed on the radio show.
The Infinite Mind Campus design included a virtual reality production studio, an audio archives library and lounge, a lecture hall and an outdoor amphitheater for larger audiences and events.
In addition to managing and overseeing the physical design of the virtual space, I was involved in the planning, publicizing and execution of a four-part show called “Through the Looking Glass” which explored the realities of virtual reality. It was broadcast into Second Life to a live audience. Guests included singer/songwriter Suzanne Vega, best-selling novelist Kurt Vonnegut, futurist Howard Rheingold and MIT professor/author John Maeda, all interviewed by journalist John Hockenberry. Among many other firsts in this event, Suzanne Vega became the first major record label artist to perform in avatar form in Second Life.
Results
The event was covered by local and national news, blogs and can be viewed on YouTube. It was attended live by over 400 Second Life users, listened to remotely by more than 1000 and continues to be aired on the weekly radio show on special occasions. Listeners for the radio show itself increased by an estimated 5% initially and continues to grow due to the national coverage and its presence in Second Life.
The event was covered by local and national news, blogs and can be viewed on YouTube. It was attended live by over 400 Second Life users, listened to remotely by more than 1000 and continues to be aired on the weekly radio show on special occasions. Listeners for the radio show itself increased by an estimated 5% initially and continues to grow due to the national coverage and its presence in Second Life.
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