Group Members
Minsoo Lee
Greg Stringer
Rory Nugent
Proposal
Lighted interactive art installation.
Week 1: Observation
Our group took a video observing Greg’s motions on his trackpad as he poked around on some websites. We feel that we chose this mechanism for many reasons. First of all, it was in close proximity to all of us. We were able to sit at our computers at ITP and observe a piece of technology that usually goes under-examined and under-explored. Second, we think we were fascinated by how intuitive the touchpad really is. It can almost be handed to anyone of any age and they are able understand its function. No extra equipment is need, just your finger and the capable mobility. On top of its ease of use, we found that the touchpad is capable of becoming more complex as the user learns its advanced abilities. For example, two fingers can be used to allow scrolling while a single finger allows the movement of the mouse. We were all excited by the idea of a device being instantly intuitive yet complex enough to appeal to more demanding users. Simplicity with depth. We feel this may have unknowingly inspired our project proposal.
Video
Week 2: Prototype
An interactive art installation incorporating various lighted geometric shapes. Depending on how the shapes are arranged and their distances from each other, the lighting conditions throughout the shapes will change. Unique configurations will render unique lighting arrangements. We envision this device to be used as an abstract toy, a glowing art sculpture, or simply an experiment in lighting and interaction. At times the device may appear to be a toy, while other times it may simply become a nicely designed lighting fixture.
In order to meet the requirements we set for ourselves, we plan to employ an IR emitter and an IR detector on each side of the shape. The arrangement of emitters and detectors will allow for the different shapes to interact and the distance between shapes will play an important role. The IR detector will feed the Arduino with analog input, the software will interpret the data and adjust the lighting within each shape in hopefully a very interesting and intuitive manner.
Our installation may be used in varied lighting situations though we recommend the environment be dim or dark. It may potentially be used with a partner. Since our installation is based solely on interaction, we want it to have as much depth as possible so that exploring the nature of the device becomes the primary goal. Once an interesting or desired configuration is met, the devices may be left as they are to enhance the surrounding space. User experience is of utmost importance.
Note: Technical constraints may require us to alter the chosen shape, lighting arrangement, or even the depth of interaction. But, as for now we plan to stick with our original idea and only make compromises where we see fit. It is a priority for us to adhere to our prototype as closely as possible.
2D Sketches
Action Shot
Equipment (per box)
1 x 9V Battery
1 x power switch
1 x Arduino board
3 x colored super bright LEDs
4 x IR Emitters
4 x IR Detectors
7 x 220 ohm resistors
4 x 100K ohm resistor
3 x 10uF capacitors
Prototype Enclosure
Week 3: Testing
IR LED testing
Material Testing
Lunch Box?
IR PCB Shot
Video 1
Video 2
Video 3
Week 4: Presentation
Light Box Demonstration
Source Code
