The intent of the CyberCube Project is to develop prototypes of an interface for an operating environment and new communications system for shared information space created by computer-mediated networks. The system is a networked hypermedia interface useful in mapping and navigating in a complex immersive information universe.
The project is intended to develop a process-based language for interactive communications specific to networked information environments. The objective is the development of a system for the three-dimensional representation and manipulation of symbolic knowledge in large networked hypermedia information databases. The project methodology is to design and implement a prototype interface, process language, and operating environment as the fundamental building blocks for cyberspace.
The CyberCube is a software application and interface that provides an efficient way of accessing and organizing large amounts of time based multimedia information within three-dimensional space. It is based on the metaphor of a three-dimensional spatial grid for the mapping, navigation, organization and retrieval of information.
The interface in appearance looks like a three-dimensional cube, it sides are made up of grids of squares. It is akin to a spreadsheet of symbols, but unlike a spreadsheet it is not made of numbers in cells, but is actually a matrix of containers for symbols. It acts like a multidimensional, multimedia spreadsheet for dynamically related cybernetic symbols.
The operating environment itself is a network of symbols, or a nebulae of signifieds based on a multiplicity of codes in a plurally structured multiverse of meaning. The assumption is that language constituted in it's current form as static text creates tremendous navigational problems and is inefficient and ultimately unsuitable for developing modes of thought and expression in virtual worlds. In complex multidimensional communications space cybernetic or process based language becomes a necessity.
Such a language could be constituted of CyberSymbols which can be made of any combination of digital media. CyberSymbols are dynamically interrelated highly condensed and evolving symbolic representations. The symbols can represent data or concepts on a variety of levels; these may be categorized as pictographic, ideographic, alphabetic, or videographic.
Various experimental development strategies are being undertaken. For example, the research team is using a participatory design approach called the MediaGame, which is based on play theory and transformational game strategies, where an experimental network development community is being developed.
Over a multimedia network the CyberCube is used as an infrastructure to discuss, develop and test ideas, prototypes and consensual design metaphors for the development of the interface and cybernetic language for shared communications space.
The system is designed to be scalable and portable between different media, networks, technology and platforms, it could work in screen, hand-held, projected and immersive environments.
There are a variety of social, commercial and cultural applications for the system. It can be used as a production tool for the creation of stand-alone interactive hypermedia productions and artworks; a telecommunications interface for multimedia conferencing and personal messaging systems; an interface for visualisation, navigation and retrieval in large multimedia databases; and for developing networked and collaborative virtual environments for work, play, education, creativity and communications.