Norman Chan
Tested
San Francisco, CA, United States
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Past articles by Norman:
Thank You Tested Premium Members
Hey everyone, Norm here. In case you haven't seen it, we resumed our podcast this week (with a new name and format!) and announced on the show that we just launched Channel Memberships on the Tested YouTube channel. It's a new way for viewers to directly support the Tested production team and help us continue the pace of videos we've been producing these past six months. Adapting to the remote… → Read More
Half-Life: Alyx Hands-On! Tested on 8 VR Headsets
We've played some Half-Life: Alyx! Tested spent a day playing Valve's upcoming full-length VR game across 8 different headsets to evaluate how the game looks and plays on devices ranging from the original HTC Vive to Oculus Quest. We show how the game's various mechanics work with different motion controllers and explain the trade-offs between different VR systems. → Read More
Adam Savage's Rounders Poker Chips and Case Replica!
One of Adam's favorite movies is Rounders, and he shares the story of his journey to replicate the poker chips as seen in the film. Recently, Adam was inspired to make a carrying case for these chips--his imagining of what a case from the character Teddy KGB's underground poker game would look like. The prop is still in progress, and Adam could use suggestions for the finishing graphics of the… → Read More
3D Modeling, Printing, and Painting a Custom Gundam!
We attend our first Gunpla and mecha modelmaking convention--NewType's Buildcon in San Francisco--and meet some incredible modelmakers who've brought a variety of builds. Artist Kaz Adams' Janus build was especially striking, since she designed, 3D modeled, 3D printed, and finished this detailed model, essentially making her own kit. We chat with Kaz about her design process and how she took an… → Read More
PROJECTIONS: How Mixed Reality Game Trailers Are Made
Ever wonder how mixed reality videos are made showing users in virtual reality games like Beat Saber? That kind of compositing is done using the free LIV app, camera with HDMI output, video capture card, and green screen. We set up our studio to test some mixed reality and chat with LIV engineer David Goodman about the awesome ways mixed reality videos can bring new perspectives to VR capture. → Read More
Adam Savage's One Day Builds: No-Face Animatronic Mouth!
One of Adam's favorite cosplay costumes gets revamped and upgraded with an awesome animatronic feature! No-Face transforms into a hungry beast with a massive mechanized mouth, a build which ends up being much more complicated that planned. Shop assistants Jen and Mel also take on the task of fabricating foam props for No-Face to eat. This cosplay build ended up being quite a journey! → Read More
Show and Tell: Fallout Pip-Boy Bluetooth Speaker Kit
The Wand Company's delightful Fallout Pip-Boy replica kit finds a new place in our studio with this official bluetooth speaker stand. We love the care and attention to detail the designers at The Wand Company put into their replicas and kits, from the packaging to the instruction manual. Here's how this simple kit comes together, and a surprise feature as well! → Read More
Incredible Man-Spider Cosplay at Silicon Valley Comic Con
We meet up with cosplayers Mike and Shelly (who last year made an awesome Totoro costume) and check out their new Man-Spider cosplay! Mike and Shelly walk us through their sculpt and build of this striking cosplay, one of our absolute favorites from Silicon Valley Comic Con. → Read More
Show and Tell: Nike's Adapt BB Power-Lacing Shoes!
We've been waiting so long for self-lacing shoes, and now's our chance to try on Nike's Adapt BB with power lacing! Friend of Tested Steve Lin brings in his rare pair of Nike MAG sneakers as well as the new Adapt BB in a Back to the Future-inspired colorway. Here's how well the power lacing works! → Read More
The Wand Company's Fallout 76 Pip-Boy Kit Upgrades
We meet up with The Wand Company at E3 this year to check out their new upgrade modules for their Pip-Boy 2000 kit. From an actual radio (with wasteland frequencies) to actual radiation sensor, we can't wait to incorporate these mods to our Pip-Boy. Plus, a look at their new die-cast Fallout 76 vehicles! → Read More
PROJECTIONS: 10 Favorite Oculus Quest Games and Apps
As the Oculus Quest may be the first virtual reality headset for some people, we share our picks for our 10 favorite games and apps from the launch lineup. In addition to these essential experiences, we also discuss and recommend additional titles that are worth trying. What are you enjoying in VR right now? → Read More
The Fantasy Metal Creatures of Perkunas Design Studio
We were instantly captivated by these steel interactive sculptures by Roy Hung, who runs Perkunas Design Studio. His unicorn and beast sculptures are created out of hundreds of pieces of smelted steel, from 3D printed molds. We chat with Roy and his translator about what makes these articulating art pieces so special. → Read More
ranchoobiwan_002: The Massive Star Wars Collection at Rancho Obi-Wan
Photography is permitted during tours of Rancho Obi-Wan, so we seized the opportunity to snap pictures of some of the amazing collectibles Steve Sansweet has accumulated over 35 years of collecting Star Wars memorabilia. One of our favorites: a custom toy sculpture of George Lucas himself, walking a pet AT-AT! → Read More
Still Design Patent, 1808: Invention Through Illustration: Examples of Great Patent Art
Invention Through Illustration: Examples of Great Patent Art - Tested → Read More
onedaybuild_001: Behind the Scenes of Adam Savage's One Day Box Build
We spent seven hours in Adam's shop watching him transform pieces of wood and metal into a beautiful carrying case for this beloved Blade Runner Blaster prop replica. Watch the video of Adam building the box, and then appreciate his handiwork in these behind-the-scenes photos. The completed box is an amazing creation to behold! → Read More
Show and Tell: Laser-Cut Miniature Wargaming Terrain Kits!
We recently discovered the awesome world of custom wargaming terrain, like these laser-cut kits from BlackSiteStudio. We've put together a few of them now, including an intricate modular fallout shelter. This kit we're assembling today is even more impressive, making excellent use of the laser-cut aesthetic for post-apocalyptic architecture! → Read More
maze_002: Photo Gallery: Adam Savage's Overlook Hotel Maze Model
A few photos from the build, as well as the pictures from our photo session before shipping Adam's Overlook Maze model off to the next stop of the Stanley Kubrick travelling exhibition in Mexico! → Read More
How To Create Snow Effects in Toy Photography
We're back in the studio of Johnny Wu (aka SgtBananas) to learn about his process for creating convincing snow effects in his photos. It's a simple practical effect you can replicate at home! We also chat about figure posability and what Johnny looks out for when finding new toys to photograph. → Read More
Space Food Systems Laboratory: Tubes to Teriyaki: The History of Space Food in Photos
The Space Food Systems Laboratory at the Johnson Space Center develops the menus and packages food for NASA, CSA, and ESA astronauts. The Russian Federal Space Agency (ROSCOSMOS) makes its own food for cosmonauts. → Read More
The Cut and Sew Clothing in Mezco's 1:12 Figures
While New York Toy Fair is going on this week, we celebrate our love for pop culture toys and collectibles with a week of toy videos! First off, Norm puts a spotlight on Mezco's 1:12 figures, which have impressed with their posability and cut and sew clothes, making them great for photographing and customizing. → Read More