FORMALITY*

Formality* is a curious and frustrating example of technological ‘advancement’ in The Neighbourhood. The Neighbourhood developers used Apple’s once popular Hypercard software to create Formality*, but Hypercard has been obsolete for many years.

While ostensibly intended to simplify the bureaucratic visa application process, my experience exploring it suggests otherwise.

The tutorial is woefully incomplete, there are many programming glitches, and the questions border the absurd.
One wonders if it was actually supposed to work.
In a commendable move to incorporate the voices of residents, the developers have incorporated testimonials from local “advisors” to help the user progress. However, their usefulness is questionable, suggesting that their presence might merely be an effort to appease rather than represent a real commitment to inclusivity. Unsurprisingly, I have found no evidence prooving that this version of the software was actually put to use.

Making it possible for you to experience Formality* has been an arduous task. Fortunately, new technology will allow you to step back in time, to simulate a vintage Apple Macintosh computer in the comfort of your own web browser!

formality mac gr.jpg

FORMALITY IS CURRENTLY OFFLINE BUT WILL RETURN SOON, STAY TUNED.

SCREENSHOTS FROM FORMALITY*

About the competition

My attempts to be approved for a Neighbourhood visa with Formality* have been futile. My application is always declined.I get the impression there is a secret way to navigate the software successfully. This is where I need your help.

I invite you to help me with my research by attempting to use Formality* yourselves. If any information about the Neighbourhood is necessary for this task, you can find it in my research archive, www.theneighbourhootproject.com.

If you manage to gain approval, please email a screen shot of your successful “Applicant report” and a mailing address to neighbourhoodprojectmail@gmail.com

The first two successful applicants will win a limited-edition print of “Peregrination, A Playable Reproduction”, a Neighbourhood artefact first discovered in 2018.

Formality*was first presented online in 2019 with the support of UP Projects as part of This is Public Space, and the efforts of programmer James Friend.