All posts by Annette.Haworth

snowman

Happy New Year try our Snowball Splat text-free game!

You can try our Christmas themed game here Snowball Splat Runs best on an iPad. This is based on the Splat Medusa game devised by iMuse for the 2013 Ure Discovery project. This incorporated two dozen depictions of the head of Medusa created by 16 year olds from a special school. These are simple, text-free games that can be enjoyed by all age groups and abilities. The idea came from http://creativejs.com/tutorials/create-an-ipad-optimised-game/ Merry Christmas and Happy New Year 2014!
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A mini-app for an artist’s exhibition

Project dates: April – June 2013 Working with artist Jenny Halstead, iMuse is hoping to demonstrate that a low-cost simple web-app can enhance the visitor’s experience, particularly those with sight, learning or reading difficulties.
  • Volunteers in the GardenVolunteers in the Garden
    You can hear the artist talking about volunteering in the Harris Garden here. http://youtu.be/aj9LB4i_zKE
  • Another artist’s text-free mini-app plannedAnother artist's text-free mini-app planned
    iMuse is working with artist, Jenny Halstead, to produce a low-cost mini-app for an in-exhibition iPad. Jenny recently spent a year as Artist in Residence in the Harris Garden at the University of Reading, painting and drawing as the seasons changed. Her exhibition in the Museum of English Rural Life, Reading, runs from 24 May to ...
Jenny Halstead

Another artist’s text-free mini-app planned

iMuse is working with artist, Jenny Halstead, to produce a low-cost mini-app for an in-exhibition iPad. Jenny recently spent a year as Artist in Residence in the Harris Garden at the University of Reading, painting and drawing as the seasons changed. Her exhibition in the Museum of English Rural Life, Reading, runs from 24 May to 30 June 2013. Jenny has recorded her thoughts on each painting. Visitors will be able to see each painting both for real and on our iPad, where they can blow it up to look at detail down to the brushstroke, and tap to hear Jenny describing her reactions to each scene and her painting methods. AACT’s special interest is in showing how such relatively simply implemented techniques can enhance an exhibition for everyone, particularly by communicating its meaning to those with sight impairment or who find reading text on labels difficult. Though the iPad will be tethered on a cord for security, visitors will be able to pick it up to share what they find with companions, and it is hoped that this will further encourage communication between them.
pupils and animator learning about computer animation

Launch date for Ure Discovery exhibition set!

The Ure Discovery Arts Council England Project, in which AACT/iMuse is a partner alongside 2 mainstream schools and one special school, will have its exhibition officially launched on 15th June. All will be welcome to this family-centred event, with an Greek-pot activity in aid of AACT, talks by the animator, Steve Simons, and the pupils who created the exhibition. And of course, the iMuse iPad trail led by Sophie the Owl!

General iMuse posts

  • What are we all here for anyway? – Part 2
    What’s imuse trying to achieve? Part 1 is at http://www.aact.org.uk/imuse.php. Here’s some more thoughts. We picked up interesting ideas from Museum Computer Network conference, Atlanta, November 2011 especially from Nettrice’s workshop on Alternate Reality Games – ways of encouraging visitors and museum interaction. Some of those methods were used in the mini ARG ...
  • Welcome to imuse
    imuse is a programme trying-out some low-cost ways that visitors can communicate with a museum and with each other using mobile phones and tablets like iPads. imuse is partnering with some medium-sized museums to see if the ideas work in practice.If they do we aim to help set up an advisory service so smaller museums can ...
  • RSA Fellowship Catalyst Grant
    The RSA has given a grant of £1,500 from its Catalyst Fund to Fellow Annette Haworth.Annette is imuse’s voluntary Project Manager.She will put £900 of  her grant towards the cost of engaging a museum learning professional who will help create material especially for people with communication and learning disabilities.£500 of the grant will be used ...
  • More experiences with touch screens and QR codes
    We’ve found that some people can have difficulty making touchscreens work. There can also be problems with lining-up the camera  on a smartphone or iPad with a QRcode. A previous blog, http://imusenews.blogspot.co.uk/2012/02/initial-experiences-with-touch-screens.html, described these problems. We have a bit more experience, from both visitors and volunteers/staff at our iMuse partner museum and from more elderly and partially-sighted ...
  • Initial experiences with touch screens & QR codes
    We’ve tried a very simple ‘game’ in which an object had an A4-sized label attached looking like this. The child is asked to find one of the labels in the museum, a volunteer scans the QR code with an iPad 2 and the child is asked to ‘touch’ whichever object they think they are looking ...
  • iMuse where have we got to?
    At the start of 2012, we adopted some ‘principles’ – a rather grand name for a list of things we were trying to do and how. It’s somewhat past time to have look back to see where we are and whether we’ve stuck to these or think they should be altered. Here we go,original wording in ...
  • Creating an audio stop on the Ure Museum Olympic Trail
  • Copyright as an accessibility issue
    This is a tentative post because there are complex issues surrounding copyright which iMuse would not claim to have grasped fully. BUT, looking back on what we’ve done over the last few months, and are currently planning in the three museums/galleries we’re working with at the moment, it seems we are being driven at least partly ...
young people trying out ipads

The Stanley Spencer Gallery iMuse project week 2

This is retrospective because this project has taken on a time consuming life of its own – and the one thing to fall by the wayside has been actually writing up what we have done… Knowing that AACT is stuffed full of serious academics they will be horrified at this – but this is real life. Going back to the beginning:  Annette and I had a long chat about what we were trying to achieve, and time and again we said – we’ll just see what develops.  The point of the exercise is to work out a sustainable, inexpensive way forward to use IT to enable a better visitors experience to the Gallery for all abilities. We started with an iPad (provided by AACT) onto which I loaded information about a loan painting collated through iBooks Author.  (see separate blog about that).  We identified a list of about 60 things to think about, but in the end they all broke down into a few main categories: 1) Visitor user friendliness 2) Custodian user friendliness 3) Security 4) Effectiveness. Following the launch on 14th Feb we have had very positive feedback from those who have used the iPad – most, but not all of the users were familiar with the iPad, all found it ‘easy’ or ‘OK’ to use and without exception they all had high praise for the positive addition it made to their visit.  So far so good. We launched initially without headphones as the speaker level (with Guided Access) was set to conversational level, and as the iPad was in a corner of the Gallery we decided to see if the audio level was intrusive.  Several visitors actually ASKED for headphones – mainly because they felt embarrassed to be making a noise, and secondly they didn’t want other visitors to know if they skipped a bit! So we added two pairs of headphones and a splitter.  This is not ideal for sharing. One issue with iBooks Author is that you create a virtual book – which cannot be looped, and so has to be swiped back to the opening page ready for the next visitor.  This is a problem – if the visitor does not finish the presentation and get to the page asking them to swipe back then obviously they don’t and the next visitor starts half way through……  It would be great to find a way of looping the book – other than by copying the pages over and over – which would create a huge file and again pose problems on getting back to the beginning. Some custodians have embraced it and are very happy because of visitor reaction, others are more unsure, and there is some uncertainty about taking the app out of Guided Access in order to leave on charge overnight.( it will not sleep in guided access and heat build-up overnight might pose a problem.) We now have one iPad tethered to a bench and resting on a stand (we would have put it on the bench but decided it would be sat on if we did.. (the iPad, not the bench….)  This is not ideal but the best we can do with space available. Custodians so far have reported no objections to it being in the gallery.  I have had no report from them yet about the proportion of visitors who look at it – but hopefully will get that in due course. Subsequently were lent a second iPad by AACT.  This became necessary as we started to expand the scope of our experiment and introduce the iPad into some more visitor experiences.   Our ‘disabilities’ Custodian arranged a visit from the TalkBack group in Amersham.  They are a charity empowering challenged young people, and it was decided to run a self-awareness project with them using the Self-Portraits currently in the Gallery exhibition.  Ten students arrived, and the ipad was used to take photographs and manipulate them and email the results.  It was a great success and added to their experience.  Annette was present and can report on the day. More updates later…. Chrissy Rosenthal Volunteer, Stanley Spencer Gallery

Consultancy agreement template

NB This is an example of the type of agreement we may require with a consultant. Individual circumstances and AACT’s requirements may alter the format in particular instances. THIS AGREEMENT FOR CONSULTANCY SERVICES (“Agreement”) is made on DATE BETWEEN:   (1)           Access-Ability Communications Technology Limited (also known as “AACT” or “AACT for Children” or “AACT4Children”) [Company Number 5538092 and Registered Charity No. 1113302] whose registered address is 3 Wesley Gate, Queen’s Road, Reading, RG1 4AP  (hereafter referred to as ‘the Client’).   And   (2)           name whose principal place of business is address (hereafter referred to as ‘the Consultant’).   WHEREBY IT IS AGREED as follows:   1.             ENGAGEMENT   1.1          The Consultant purports to have the know-how, qualifications and necessary ability to undertake the work required to be carried out in the assignment specified in Schedule 1 below (the “Assignment”).   1.2          The Consultant warrants that it is not disbarred in any way from working on the Assignment.   1.3          Subject to Clauses 1.1 and 1.2 above, the Client hereby engages the Consultant, and the Consultant hereby accepts such engagement, to carry out the Assignment and perform all services required in order to carry out the Assignment and produce the deliverables required from the Assignment.   2.             TERM   Notwithstanding the date hereof, the Consultant shall commence work on date and shall continue thereafter after the assignment is discharged or until date, whichever comes sooner.   3.             DUTIES OF THE CONSULTANT   3.1          The Consultant shall, while this Agreement is in force or until the satisfactory completion of the Assignment, devote such of his time, attention and abilities to the Assignment as may be necessary for the satisfactory completion thereof as the same shall be determined by the Client and as set out in Schedule 1 below.   3.2          The Consultant agrees to advise and assist the Client as required in accordance with clause 3.1 above with respect to all aspects of the Assignment and in the performance of such duties the Consultant shall comply with all reasonable requests and directions of the Client or its customer or nominee including, but not limited to:   3.2.1      Complying with all local or internal policies and regulations operated by or affecting the Client or its customer or nominee as the case may be provided the Consultant has been appraised of them.   4.             FEES   4.1          In consideration of the services rendered by the Consultant hereunder, the Client shall pay to the Consultant fees as set out in Schedule 2 and in accordance with the provisions of Clause 5 below. No fee is chargeable for absence due to illness, voluntary leave or statutory, public or local holidays.   4.2          The Consultant is responsible for accounting to the Inland Revenue and all other Authorities for all taxes, National Insurance contributions, other insurance, and any other liabilities, charges and dues for which the Consultant is liable.   5.             PAYMENT   Fees are payable within 30 days of receipt of correct and due invoices, which should be sent to:   Michael McAleenan Treasurer Access-Ability Communications Technology c/o Uttley Room BG05, Institute of Education, Bulmershe Court University of Reading, Reading Berkshire RG6 1HY   6.             COPYRIGHT   The copyright in any report, documentation or information on whatever media, prepared by the Consultant pursuant to this Agreement shall be the property of the Client notwithstanding termination hereof unless otherwise expressly agreed in writing by the Client. Copyright for the Consultant’s standard templates, formats and presentation styles remains with the Consultant.   7.             WARRANTIES AND REPRESENTATIONS   7.1          The Consultant warrants and represents that:   7.1.1      The Consultant has full capacity and authority and all necessary licences, permits and consents to enter into and to perform this Agreement and to provide the Assignment;   7.1.2      This Agreement is executed by a duly authorised representative of the Consultant;   7.1.3      The provision of the Assignment and the Client’s use thereof shall not, to the best of the Consultant’s knowledge and belief, infringe any Intellectual Property Rights of any third party;   7.1.4      The Assignment shall be supplied and rendered by appropriately experienced, qualified and trained personnel with all due skill, care and diligence and in a professional and workmanlike manner.   7.1.5      The Consultant shall discharge its obligations hereunder with all due skill, care and diligence including but not limited to good industry practice and in accordance with its own established internal procedures;   7.1.6      The Consultant shall in the performance of the Assignment and in all matters arising in the performance of this Agreement conform with all Acts of Parliament and with all orders, regulations and bye-laws made with statutory authority by Government Departments or by local or other authorities that shall be applicable to this Agreement and shall comply with any Codes of Practice to which the Client complies and which relate to the provision of the Assignment; provided that the Consultant has been appraised of them.   7.2          Except as expressly stated in this Agreement, all warranties and conditions, whether express or implied by statute, common law or otherwise (including but not limited to fitness for purpose) are hereby excluded to the extent permitted by law.   8.             LIMITATION OF LIABILITY AND INSURANCE   8.1          Neither party excludes or limits liability to the other party for death or personal injury and the Consultant shall indemnify and keep the Client indemnified against death or personal injury to any persons or loss of or damage to any property which may arise out of any Default or any other act, default or negligence of the Consultant, their employees or agents and against all claims, demands, proceedings, damages, costs, charges and expenses whatsoever in respect thereof or in relation thereto.   8.2          Subject always to Clause 8.1, the liability of either party for Defaults shall be as set out in this Clause 8.2.   8.2.1       Without prejudice to the generality of Clause 8.1, in no event shall either party be liable to the other for:   8.2.2.1      Loss of profits, business, revenue, goodwill or anticipated savings; and/or   8.2.2.2      Indirect or consequential loss or damage.   8.2.2      The provisions of Clause 8.2 shall not be taken as limiting the right of the Client to claim from the Consultant in the event of Default for loss of data and notwithstanding Clause 8.2.2, where the Client terminates this Agreement pursuant to Clause 11, the Client shall be entitled to recover from the Consultant, in addition to any other damages it is entitled to recover, the cost of obtaining the reasonable and proper cost for specialist accountancy services from a third party.   8.3          The parties expressly agree that should any limitation or provision contained in this Clause 8 be held to be invalid under any applicable statute or rule of law it shall to that extent be deemed omitted but if any party thereby becomes liable for loss or damage which would otherwise have been excluded such liability shall be subject to the other limitations and provisions set out herein.   8.4          Without limiting the Consultant’s responsibilities under Clause 8.1 above, the Consultant shall insure with a reputable insurance company against loss of and damage to property and injury to persons (including death) arising out of or in consequence of its obligations under this Agreement where negligence is proven and against all actions, claims, demands, costs and expenses in respect thereof.   9.             INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS INDEMNITY   9.1          The Consultant shall fully indemnify the Client against all claims, demands, actions, costs, expenses (including but not limited to full legal costs and disbursements on a solicitor and client basis), losses and damages suffered by the Client arising from or incurred by reason of any infringement or alleged infringement (including but not limited to the defence of such alleged infringement) in the United Kingdom of any Intellectual Property Right in connection with the Assignment.   10.          CONFIDENTIALITY   The Consultant shall not, other than with the prior written consent of the Client, during or after the termination, determination or expiry of this Agreement disclose directly or indirectly to any person, firm, company or third party and shall only use for the purposes of this Agreement, any information relating to the Assignment, the Client, its business, trade secrets, customers, suppliers or any other information of whatever nature which the Client or its customer or nominee may deem to be confidential and which the Consultant has or shall hereafter become possessed of.   The foregoing provisions shall not prevent the disclosure or use by the Consultant of any information, which is or hereafter, through no fault of the Consultant, become public knowledge or to the extent permitted by law.   11.          DEFAULT   If the Consultant shall be guilty of any serious misconduct or any serious breach or non-observance of any of the conditions of this Agreement or shall neglect or fail or refuse to carry out the duties assigned to him hereunder, the Client shall be entitled to give notice to the Consultant to remedy the breach within seven days and if the Consultant fails to remedy then summarily to terminate his engagement hereunder without notice and without any payment in lieu of notice and without prejudice to any rights or claims the Client may have against the Consultant arising out of such default.     12.          TERMINATION   12.1        The Client may terminate this Agreement immediately by notice in writing if the Consultant shall:   12.1.1    suffer or threaten any form of insolvency administration; or   12.1.2    cease or threaten to cease to carry on business; or   12.1.3    be in breach of any of the terms of this Agreement which, in the case of a breach capable of remedy, is not remedied by the Consultant within seven days of receipt by the Consultant of notice from the Client specifying the breach and requiring its remedy; or   12.1.4    be guilty of any serious misconduct and/or any serious or persistent negligence in respect to its obligations under this Agreement.   12.2        Upon the termination of this Agreement or the Consultant’s engagement whichever shall be the earlier, the Consultant or his personal representative as the case may be, shall immediately deliver up to the Client all correspondence, reports, documents, specifications, papers, information (on whatever media) and property belonging to the Client which may be in his possession or under his control.     13.          DATA PROTECTION   The Consultant shall at all times comply with the provisions of the Data Protection Act 1998.   14.          WORKING WITH CHILDREN   The Consultant shall ensure that he complies with all legislation with regard to working with children, should that be necessary in order to discharge the duties of the Assignment.   15.          ASSIGNMENT   The Consultant shall not transfer or assign the whole or any part of this Agreement without the prior written consent of the Client.   16.          HEADINGS AND EXPRESSIONS   The headings contained herein are for convenience of reference only and shall not affect the construction hereof.  The expressions “client” “consultant” “him” “its” or such other expressions as appear herein shall be deemed to include the masculine, feminine single or plural thereof where the context so admits.   17.          SEVERABILITY   In the event that any of the terms contained herein are determined by any competent authority to be invalid or unenforceable to any extent, such term shall to that extent be severed from the body of this Agreement which shall continue to be valid and enforceable to the fullest extent permitted by the Law.     18.          SCOPE   This Agreement shall take effect in substitution for all previous agreements and arrangements whether written or oral or implied between the Client and the Consultant relating to the services of the Consultant and all such agreements and arrangements shall be deemed to have been terminated by mutual consent with effect from the date hereof.   19.          STATUS OF CONSULTANT ON TERMINATION, DETERMINATION OR                   EXPIRY   As a consequence of the termination, determination or expiry of this Agreement by effluxion of time, the Consultant shall not be entitled to the payment of any compensation or otherwise upon the occurrence of the same.   20.          LAW   The parties hereby agree that this Agreement and the provisions hereof shall be construed in accordance with the Laws of England and the parties hereby agree to submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the High Court of England.     ) SIGNED for and on behalf of the CLIENT by                                            ) )       SIGNED by the CONSULTANT                                                                     ) )  

SCHEDULE 1 – “The Assignment”

  The Consultant shall: List of work to be undertaken

SCHEDULE 2 – “The Fee”

  The Consultant’s Fee shall be paid as follows: Description of fee agreement