Correlations
Narracube
3 main loops
2 reading directions
36 reader’s views
Correlations is one of three proof-of-principle prototypes of Narracube, Volume I of Language of the book, Volume I-III. The Correlations prototype introduces a way to represent intersections of interdependent elements. This is the most intricate use of the structural possibilities for narration that the Narracube offers. The key functional principle is that the text loops, visualised by three shades of blue, can represent three different positions, lines of thoughts or voices. The three main loops have two reading directions. That gives six loops in total that are running over the cubes. The loops are not bound to one cube, but move across the eight cubes and create intersections with the other two loops. They intersect 48 times, in three different intersections. Where the loops intersect there is a space to illustrate how they relate to each other.
Narration process
This prototype suggests a narration process where an exploration of an issue is done by mapping how the three or six different elements intersect. The intersections that each side of the cube hold can present a common ground, conflicting views or dependencies. The different elements invite a collective narration process where the mapping of the intersections are central. The way the segments of the loops are hidden and revealed can also be used in the narrative process to represent expansion or underlying causes. Through the different directions of the loop it can carry the same meaning expressed in different languages.
Reading process
The reading in the Correlations narracube is non-linear and shifting, and the reader is active in creating the reading experience through exploring the 36 reader’s views. Each text segment that every side of the cube holds becomes a building block that interplays with the surrounding text segments. They can be read one at the time, followed through in its looping trajectory, or read through the intersections with the two other loops. New readings are created as the hand pages and rotates the cubes. The parts make up a new wholes with each constellation.