We wanted to create captivating visuals that are normally seen at concerts and large budget performing arts shows by building a rather minimal environment, using simple physical computing components, and working with a very limited budget. We wanted an affordable solution to achieve interesting results while combining technology and performing arts. What we came up with is a kaleidoscope that is relatively small compared to a normal stage, but just large enough so that a camera could be placed inside the tube to record the resulting visuals, or a user would be able to peek his or her head inside for a more immersive visual experience.

The kaleidoscope is made with acrylic mirror panels, supported by shaped foam cores, and secured inside a cardboard tube. It sits on a small wooden platform with two rolling pins so that it could be turned freely. An accelerometer is used so that different filters would be applied to the video that it's projected against as it's being turned. A proximity sensor is also used to sense the presence of an audience, and the video (triggered by Arduino and Processing) would only play if there is audience within range.