Lev Manovich sees a big difference between databases and stories in computer culture. He views databases as a new
form of computers that organize information, like an endless pile of items without a fixed order. On the other
hand, stories or narratives show events that happen one after another, creating a clear cause-and-effect chain.
He says databases are common in things like CD-ROMs and websites, and don't follow a set order. Meanwhile,
stories, even interactive ones, follow a specific logic. This way of thinking affects how we see culture in the
computer era.
I believe most interactive narratives in educational settings using gamification techniques, quizzes, or
simulations could elevate the learning experience. These interactive methods create engaging narratives that
encourage active participation and better extraction of information.
Additionally, although movies don't have an agency of the viewer there was a film that I once came across that
goes by the name Black Mirror: Bandersnatch, which is an interactive science fiction movie. In the movie the
viewer influences the choices of the the protagonist in the film which reveals or takes on another path taking
the choices of the viewer into consideration. This was quite a revolutionary and creative way of the use of
Interactive Narrative in the film industry.
In "Database as Symbolic Form," Manovich explored the relationship between databases and narratives, emphasizing
their interplay in new media. His insights still hold relevance today. The dynamics between database and
narrative continue to shape digital culture, although some aspects have evolved.
One notable change is the proliferation of multimedia and interactive interfaces. Manovich pointed out how
databases take precedence over narratives in new media, a trend that has intensified. With the advent of social
media, streaming platforms, and interactive websites, databases have become integral. Users navigate vast
collections of content, making choices that follow paradigmatic dimensions, shaping their individual
experiences.
Manovich's observations on the privileging of database over narrative and the explicit presentation of paradigms
in interfaces remain pertinent. However, technological advancements have expanded the complexity of databases.
AI and machine learning facilitate personalized content curation, further entrenching the prominence of
databases in our interactions with digital platforms.
Yet, some aspects have not changed significantly. The tension between narrative and database persists, with
hybrid forms emerging. Additionally, while Manovich highlighted cinema's narrative dominance, today's digital
filmmaking and content creation still rely on narrative structures despite database-driven elements. Manovich's
foundational insights endure, but the landscape has evolved with technological advancements, reshaping the
interplay between database and narrative in new and nuanced ways.
In considering Manovich's concepts and my final project, I see a fascinating intersection of narratives and
databases. My project aims to encapsulate a journey, depicting the evolution of my coding skills and learning
experiences over time. It's like weaving a storyline where users embark on an exploration of my coding
evolutions
Though the specifics of my project are still taking shape, I envision it as an immersive experience that guides
users through a journey without a defined beginning or end. It will unfold as a narrative, presenting various
stages of learning, experiments, and discoveries. At the same time, it will incorporate elements of a database,
allowing users to interact, make choices, and delve deeper into different aspects of my coding journey.
This merging of narrative and database aligns with Manovich's ideas about the interplay between these two forms
in modern media. I intend to create an engaging and evolving experience that reflects the dynamic nature of
learning and exploration in coding and technology.