FAQ

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What is the Sherlock Global Challenge?

The Sherlock Global Challenge is a series of events (meetups, hacks, installations) that are working to create a massive connected crime scene. In a sense it is very similar to a Global Service Design or Game Design Jam. In the months of Oct and Nov events will be staged around the world that will enable participants to engage in a collaborative storytelling experiment. Elements of this were recently tested at our Lincoln Center prototype as participants from 4 continents co-created crime scenes with people on the ground at Lincoln Center. Our goal is to have Sherlock inspired events happening around the world that offer participants the opportunity to connect with others as we reimagine the world of Sherlock Holmes. 

When is the Sherlock Global Challenge?

The Sherlock Global Challenge is happening around the world on during the months of October and November. So far events are planned in 25 cities around the world.

How can I get involved?

You can attend, host or start a Sherlock event (meetup, hack and/or installation). The events are self organized and have the opportunity to connect with a global community that will be experimenting over course of the program.

What is the overall goal of Sherlock Global Challenge and how does it work?

At its core we are experimenting with shifts in authorship and ownership of stories and exploring new types of collaborative work and learning environments. This is a pilot of a larger Sherlock Holmes & the Internet of Things event that will come in 2016. Our efforts this fall are to help determine the design for 2016 so that we can scale the efforts and integrate various technology into the experience.

Where are events being held?

The events are taking place in NYC, LA, Montreal, London, Paris, Warsaw, Barcelona, Berlin, Inverness, Sydney, Perth, Melbourne, Auckland and many more…

What type of events are taking place?

Some groups are staging hacks where participants will build IoT objects, others are running the analog version of the prototype but connecting globally via live streaming like periscope and some are staging their own crime scenes like we did at Lincoln Center.

I’d like to partner with the Sherlock Holmes & the Internet of Things who should I contact?

If you’re interested in partnering with us please contact hello [@] digitalstorytellinglab [dot] com and use the subject “partner for Global Challenge.” Let us know your name, where you’re located, what you have in mind and how we can learn more about your efforts, organization and/or company.

What type of space is needed to host a Sherlock event?

So far groups are utilizing a diversity of spaces. Such as schools, community centers, makerspaces, fab labs, cultural centers, flex spaces and public spaces. It’s pretty open just make sure you secure the proper permissions and clearances as you’ll be responsible for all the logistics around your event.

Can I stage an event and bring on my own partners?

Yes you’re more than welcome to as long as you embody the ethos and design principals of the project. Please contact us and we’ll set up a time to connect to discuss in more detail. hello [@] digitalstorytellinglab [dot] com

Where can I find promotional materials and what are the guidelines related to press and interviews?

You can find promotional materials here. If you intend to do any press or interviews please make sure to coordinate your efforts with us.

Who is behind the project?

Sherlock Holmes & the Internet of Things is an open prototype from the Digital Storytelling Lab @ Columbia University School of the Arts that is released under a creative commons share alike commercial license.

What is the Digital Storytelling Lab and how can I find out more?

The Digital Storytelling Lab (DSL) will design stories for the 21st Century. We build on a diverse range of creative and research practices originating in fields from the arts, humanities and technology. But we never lose sight of the power of a good story. Technology, as a creative partner, has always shaped the ways in which stories are found and told. In the 21st Century, for example, the mass democratization of creative tools — code, data and algorithms — have changed the relationship between creator and audience. The Columbia DSL, therefore, is a place of speculation, of creativity, and of collaboration between students and faculty from across the University. New stories are told here in new and unexpected ways.

Are Lance and Nick available for interviews?

Yes both are available. Please contact hello [@] digitalstorytellinglab [dot] com

What’s a running order of a Sherlock Event look like?

Welcome and Introductions (2 mins)
Goals (2 mins)
5 times why exercise (10 mins)
Ignite style talk that is intended to inspire (8 mins per speaker)
Run the current prototype (90 mins)
Review current object designs (15 minutes)
Break into teams and start ideating (2 or 3 x 20 minute rounds)
Rapid prototyping with non-judgmental rounds (2 or 3 x 20 minute rounds)
Testing (45 minutes)
Run prototypes for audience / participants (90 minutes)