INVESTIGATE (3): IMAGE CONCIOUS
Proceeding with detailed observation of the contents of the Downloads folder space, I have chosen to focus solely on a single of the 11 types of file located at this point in the computer’s hierarchy: the image file.
Why the image? The image is the most common type of file found in the folder (101 in total across four file formats). With a data set that is still plentiful whilst offering a more singular focus, I hope that it will be possible to infer trends that reveal more about the organic or personal use of the Downloads space as opposed to mathematical trends dictated by the rules of the computer platform — whilst not disregarding the relevance of this information.
To begin analysing this data set, I compiled a spreadsheet containing a full list of all 101 image files in the Downloads folder, collecting information such as file name, format, time and date of download, as well as brief descriptions of each image based either purely on visuals or on retained contextual information. The spreadsheet lists four categories, organising the data by type of image:
| PHOTOGRAPH | Photographic images, including photographs of other forms of media. |
| ART/GRAPHIC | Digital or traditional artistic/designed elements. |
| LAYOUT | Page layouts combining images, text and/or other graphic elements. |
| ANIMATION | Animated words or images. |
Additionally, I created a series of tags to allow for simple reference to the contents of each image. This form of categorisation will potentially allow for more accessible inference as to the context of each image.
| PEOPLE | Humanoid characters, either real or stylised portrayals. |
| PLACE | Interpretations of locations, settings, surroundings. |
| OBJECT | Things; representations of uniquely physical items. |
| TEXT | Words or written communication. |
| ART | Designed artistic or graphical elements. |
IMAGE DIRECTORY
MOMENTS IN TIME
In an attempt to create a more human understanding of the way the space is interpreted in regular use, a pattern founded on action as opposed to the pre-designed rules of the system is required.
In this case, I have focused particularly on the time at which each file was downloaded as a lens for observing my own activity as the ‘inhabitant’ of the Downloads folder.
Scrutinising this data revealed that the largest number of files were saved to the folder during PM hours, particularly in the period between 6PM and 8PM (28 of the 101 files). Every file downloaded during this period is highlighted on the above complete list. I will be analysing these files in particular in the next stage of my investigation.