Flow

I pretty much experience Flow every time I play a fantastic video game. Mass Effect and Oblivion are two games in particular that I easily wrap myself up in. I can play each game for hours without even realizing it.

Painting is something I greatly enjoy, but I do not feel the the same amount of flow usually. There is a lot of stopping, creating distance between myself and the painting, taking breaks so my eyes can adjust and they can be fresh on the painting. Video games is something I can do continually without a break for long periods of time.

An example of Remediation in Game Design or Interactive Media.

As I understand the definition of remediation, I think an example would be how many RPGs try to recreate human emotions and interactions during cut scenes. These scenes that take place between player actions tell a large part of the story, and help the player connect more with the characters. The character animations, dialog, music and effects all work as a theatrical movie would, in trying to evoke a certain reaction or mood from the player and tell a story at the same time. Movies of course are reinterpretations of stage plays.

An example of Metalangue that I have detected in society.

One funny example of Metalangue I can think of is the recent Old Spice commercials. In particular, I'm thinking of the ones with the well built man, who usually if not always has his shirt off. During the commercial he is describing himself as the perfect man the viewers' girlfriend probably wishes she was dating. He follows this up with how if the viewer used Old Spice deodorant he would be closer to the "perfect man".
Old Spice is selling this smooth talking, handsome, and strong man as their product. As if they could take on his traits just by smelling like he supposedly does. A lot of men's deodorant commercials do this.


http://www.youtube.com/user/OldSpice

An example of a "Myth" in our society according to Barthes' definition.

     One myth I think is a part of society that comes to mind is that everyone who owns a nice car, big television, or expensive home is wealthy. In today's society it is so easy to get a loan or sign up for a credit card, that anyone can purchase a hugely expensive and often superfluous item without really being able to afford it. Our society on a whole puts such a huge weight on material possessions, that we often see the sight of them as meaning a person or family is doing well financially. It is often not the case.

Marshall McLuhan or Raymond Williams?

I agree with Raymond Williams' view.

I like the symptomatic technology view better. I think that new technology is created as a result of existing social constructs. It is then further developed, and goes on to change things more.

What is my preferred purpose of art?

I personally prefer "Art for art's sake."
I understand that there came a point in art history where people got tired of making pretty paintings as realistically as they could, and photography came along and changed the need for that, but I still love classical art that is just beautiful and maybe has a little story behind it to make it richer. Now with all the different mediums available we are capable of creating so much more: 3D environments, realistic or cartoon animations, interactive environments. I don't think art has to have a purpose.
I will say that when something is beautiful, and has a deeper meaning or story behind it it makes the art much richer. But I guess I'm a bit old fashioned, especially when it comes to paintings.

What is Interactive Design?

Interactive Design is the meaningful arrangement of media into an interactive document. That is, it is the process of designing a document, or thing that is interactive. Information, images, video and whatever else is arranged in a way that will make sense to the viewer, and allow him to navigate through it.