Hazel M. Bala

Well let's see... I graduated from NYU w/ a BA in French Language and International Politics. Because of the French, I became an account executive in the fashion industry. Being a corporate yuppie didn't really sit well with me after awhile. So I switched careers and retrained as a Graphic Designer/Art Director building up my print portfolio (I wanted to pay attention to my creative side). Now in my 30s, I want to evolve into something more progressive along the lines of new media (i.e. interaction, web and motion). I've handled huge accounts, dealt with "captain of industry" types, and managed a staff. At this point, I want to focus on me and what I truly want to become professionally. I'm a lot more mature and honest with myself this time around. And I think I have more to offer artistically and intellectually than I had in the past.

Most commented posts

  1. Mash-up Project #2: Smart-Dwell — 2 comments

Author's posts

3 Maker Faire Interfaces Picks

1) Vertical Theory (Vertical Gardening) by Karen Mackay – Why was this interesting: It’s a wonderful interaction between us and our environment.  This also presented a solution to a problem with over population, rapid urbanization, lack of space to grow things and food getting unhealthy pesticides in order to keep up with demand. – How …

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7 in 7 Project#6: George Seurat- Paintball by Numbers

Goal: Turning an ordinary paintball gun into an artistic brush rather than just something you use to impale people with balls of paint.  This gun would now have a dual purpose, one artistic and one recreational sport.  This would have to be sponsored by or partnered up with Pantone and Kuller, in order to paint a …

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Permanent link to this article: http://interface2011.coin-operated.com/2011/09/7-in-7-project6-george-seurat-paintball-by-numbers/

Reading Commentary Week #3: Why We Need Things

Reading “Why We Need Things” by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi was fascinating.  Though this was something I’ve already known in my own subconscious and observations, it was nice to read through something that was well articulated. I’ve always wondered about the evolution of things and products that surrounded our lives.  Especially living in Los Angeles, where there …

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Permanent link to this article: http://interface2011.coin-operated.com/2011/09/reading-commentary-week-3-why-we-need-things/

7 in 7 Project#5: The Rest Chamber

    Goal: Turning an ordinary isolation tank into more of a meditation chamber where you (can sit or lay down) listen to music and film installation is used to relax the mind.   Inspiration: Isolation tanks for sensory deprivation and Flat-e productions.   Approach: Build a custom tent where one can walk inside without feeling claustrophobic.  A …

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Permanent link to this article: http://interface2011.coin-operated.com/2011/09/7-in-7-project5-the-rest-chamber/

7 in 7 Project#4: Computer Keyboard As A Piano

Goal: Turning a computer keyboard into something else more than just part of a computer.  It would actually have another function— a musical instrument. Inspiration: Garageband, it has a keyboard configuration that matches about twelve keys on a piano.  I thought why not a few more. Approach: Code each letter on the computer keyboard to play the notes …

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7 in 7 Project# 3: Jedi Tennis for Lucasfilms (Gesture Recognition Game)

Goal: A chance to actually use a toy— lightsaber in a more interesting way.  Waving it around to hear that wooshing sound and impaling each other with the plastic version isn’t really all that fun.  There needs to be an evolution on this particular product even though it’s a novelty item. Inspiration: U.S. Open, Baseball, …

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7 in 7 Project# 2: U.S. History Made Easy

I got reminded the other day that American children do not know their U.S. history compared to the other children from a different country.  To remedy this issue, I (developed a concept) designed a U.S. History app.  It would have a scroll bar on the side where one can navigate through years and at the …

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Permanent link to this article: http://interface2011.coin-operated.com/2011/09/7-in-7-project-2-u-s-history-made-easy/

7 in 7- Project # 1: The Seeker App

 Introducing, the Seeker App There are usually two things everyone looks for before they leave the house.  Their keys or their phone.  With some, they forget where they are which becomes a nuisance.  Hence the Seeker App. Goal:  You can find your keys when you press the Seeker App on your phone.  Also, if you …

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Reading Commentary Week #2: What do Prototypes Prototype?

This has also been an interesting read because it’s been educational for me (someone who comes from print).  I learned a few terminologies along the way which I shall be using going forward. What do Prototypes Prototype?  Well, what from I gather, I found it to be the following: feedback, guidelines and constraints and also …

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Reading Commentary for Week #2: Experience Prototyping

After having read this, I had no idea of the process that goes into Experience Prototyping.  It was rather educational for me, up until now the only type of “experience prototyping” I’ve been exposed to are focus groups determining what packaging design appeals to a regular consumer. I have never come across such an elaborate …

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