"Nio5" (2001) is an audio synchronization and visual stimulation piece set up in Shockwave format. It has an interactive menu with links to the Shockwave player, personal interviews, behind the scenes, technotes, and source codes. The interviews and commentary help the audience understand the complexities and motivations of the author, Jim Andrews. It also gives source info about how readers can make their own audio pieces, although the author encourages people to use his source codes only if their work is "really good" and they cite his project. Aside from the audio, under the "now and then" and "song shapes" links, there are mesmerizing visual animations and still frame shots that look fluorescent against a black background.
After the main "Nio" link is selected, it flashes a brief introduction and special thanks screen before entering the main audio section. There are two audio verses, which are dissimilar in function, but contain the same content. Verse 1 lets the user pick any combination of up to six different audio clips, all the while steaming visual symbols. Verse 2 has more control and function options. There are functions to control the volume, audio clips, visual art and color, as well as the looping and timing and sequencing of clips. There are countless combinations of sound that can be creating by changing any one of the variables. No matter the level of one's expertise in sound recording, it's entertaining to change the audio and visual aspects to create the perfect sequencing of sound and image. Because of the interactive features, it can be as vivid as the user prefers. Therein lies the beauty: if you do not like what you see or hear, you have to tweak it to mold your style. "Nio5" is really user friendly, which adds to the experience and turns every inter-actor into a poet.
"Nio5" offers an entertaining way to incorporate audio poetry into an interactive form. The author's stated motivation behind the piece is that it "explores the idea that poetic experience is not the exclusive territory of words and lines." Andrews successfully manages to set up a gateway for understanding that poetry comes in many forms beyond ink and paper.
