Research Task 1: Thinking About Your Workspace

I actually have two workspaces, but only one is a dedicated area.

Where I work most of the time, is in my office:

(The laundry airing to the left of the photo is one hint that this is actually a room shared with others)

Most of the personal effects are confined to the top of the shelf unit in the centre of the photo, but there are one or two others on my desk out of view (such as a penguin, which always reminds me of my late mum who loved them).

As a sufferer with Fibromyalgia there are some adaptations in view, for example the sit/stand desk, ergonomic chair and leg rest. The weighted blanket on my chair, however, is certainly not distinguishable from a regular blanket just with this photograph.

As for equipment, I have highlighted a selection:

1. Microsoft Surface

The Surface has a touch screen, which is uniquely useful in two scenarios: First, when it's painful for me to hold a mouse and second, when I wish to draw with a pen directly onto the screen.

2. Graphics tablet

The tablet is useful for those times when operating a pen is easier than operating a mouse.

3. Desktop computer

This is my desktop computer which I built myself. Generally, an off-the-shelf computer will suit just fine. However, if you have specific requirements that are not shared by the masses, for example rendering 3D scenes or animations, then you either need to spend a ton of money or build it yourself.

4. Book holder

I am unable to hold a book open for long, using one or two hands, so this simple but effective device does that for me.

5. Note holder

Proof that I don't only work with computers (I use four), but do still use paper and pen. (there's notes on there for an upcoming 3D scene I'm planning)

Other items of interest in the picture:

• Lay figure - sometimes I'll use it when I'm trying to visualise a pose for one of my 3D characters.
• Pad of inspirational quotes, one a day. There are days when these really challenge me and make me stop and think, and other days when I go "meh" and turn it face down.
• MIDI Keyboard - before my hands became too bad I loved to play this and it was a great way for me to keep my fingers nimble. I'll work my way back to being able to play again one day. (There's a set of juggling balls in the photo somewhere that fall into a similar category)

The other place I work, my conservatory, is the aforementioned dedicated workspace:

I originally set this area up for VR play, but the space created afforded an opportunity not yet realised for motion capture. I have all the equipment - I just haven't had the need/desire/inclination to go for it yet.

1. XBox 360 Connect cameras

Above is the 'rear' capture camera, and below is the 'front' capture camera.

The thermometer in the first picture also illustrates another benefit of a dedicated space: climate control. Cold is the bane of both my IBS and my Fibromyalgia, so having a self-contained area that I can heat to my own personal requirements is a Godsend.

If the set-up works well, I may invest in a third camera, which is the optimum. The issue with having just one is that it can't capture movements behind the actor's body.

2. Windows 10 computer

For some reason, known only to Microsoft, they ceased supporting their Xbox Connect cameras - so the drivers for them are only available for Windows 10 ... hence this PC.

When the "extra" year of support is up this computer will have to go permanently offline. Booo.

3. VR headset

As previously mentioned, my conservatory was originally set up as a VR play room (you need free space for VR!). However, VR is an area that interests me and two 3D rendering products I use can create VR from my 3D scenes, so I'd like to think I'll do that one day.

© Kevin Warren - fibrocreativity (fc)