TechTox Tech Event

Describe your idea and concept of your work in relation to the festival outlines:

I really had to sit down and think about the topic before getting any real good thorough ideas. I really asked myself the question, What is radical intimacies? And what best represents dialogue in our times today?

I came up with the idea of relationships - how they differ from when the technology we have today wasn't around, and whether a relationship that began without as much technology that we have today is very different to say one that begins now. I wanted to use my parents as an example - and how when they met life and their relationship would be very different from say a relationship that I would have with someone today, purely just because there is so much more technology.

Soon after doing a bit more in depth research I wanted to take my idea deeper - and ask the question, what if dialogue is not working and what if it's because there's too much distraction from current technology that it affects the attention between two individuals.

I then asked myself - could I live without technology for 24 hours. This is including phone, iPad, tv and radio etc. Anything with a beating technological wireless or battery heartbeat. No, I would struggle.

I then asked - how would the public of melbourne deal with this if encouraged to possibly try this at some sort of event. Want an interesting way to celebrate an event that counts on technology so much - NEW YEARS EVE IN MELBOURNE. What a moment it would be to be able to experience the moment 2014 runs into 2015 and we have no phones, screens, tv s or radio's around us.

All we have are the people around us and the fireworks flashing above amongst the stars. Now that to me, that would be a moment. No iPhone lights, no selfies, no music.

Just that non-technological moment.

My TECH EVENT will take place in three different major tourist locations in Melbourne on December 31st 2014. One, the mcg, Two, Federation Square and Three will be done personally with whoever decides to enter the Tech Detox. This will be set up with stands around the city for people to enter within the months or weeks leading up to nye '14.

What kind of communication approach do you use?

I really wanted to focus on Melbourne and the dialogue we have around our city. So my three adverts will be placed around Melbourne in well known locations, as well as the locations themselves for all tourists and locals to see. At the MCG, Federation Square and places like Bourke St and flinders st station. That way my adverts will be seen by a larger and regular audience -daily.

What are in your opinion concrete benefits to the society because of your communication?

Society will not only get to experience and get to challenge their individual selves with attempting to last 24 hours throughout NYE without technology but they will also get to see themselves the benefits of not always being on your iPhone, or iPad and be able to communicate more with people around them that they may not of been able to communication or not even conversed with up until this point of "giving up technology" for however long it is.

What did you personally learn from creating your submitted work?

I have learnt the idea of this Tech Event would be great, but putting it into action would be difficult. Dialogue especially through technology in our everyday lives is so important. Sometimes to get from A to B we struggle without using and iPhone or updating a Facebook status so our friends know what we are up to. It would be great for Melbourne's society to get behind this idea and make it possible - but as much as it would be interesting to see it occur, to see it actually go ahead and be successful with no failures, it's highly likely that we would have some addicts reaching for that twitter account...

Why is your work, GOOD communication WORK?

My adverts are simple. I have used simple imagery that communicates the idea clearly and coherently. All information in regards to each event has been included as well possible sponsors for my TECH EVENT for across Melbourne. Each sponsor taking a huge part in this event also - none being related to any type of technology so it wouldn't be hypocritical.

Where and how do you intent do implement your work?

My communication will be used to help increase awareness to the public of Melbourne just how much technology can affect the attention we have between our relationships and as individuals throughout our city and towns today, especially having effect on our children and possibly their children. I hope to give everyone the chance to challenge themselves and ask themselves the question - can you live a day without technology?

Did your intervention had an effect on other Media. If yes, describe the effect? (Has other media reported on it- how? Were you able to change other media with your work- how?)

It's not everyday thousands take part in a no-tech event - all putting their iPhones and iPads down to spend the last 24 hours of the year together actually taking part in proper "non cyber" conversations just before going into the New Year. This would make world news, possibly even some sort of world record! Depending on how many people we have that get involved on the night. The media would be impressed with the efforts and be wanting to find out peoples reactions and emotions and how they feel after spending so much important time away from what they feel are their personal belongings that never leave their side.