Signature Spectrum
Jane Cheng
Advisor: Luisa Pereira
This project redefines signatures from static marks to dynamic expressions, animating individual traits into living identities. It explores the deep connections between identity, creativity, and visual representation through the curation and signing of signatures, sparking dialogues on human complexity, and celebrating our unique differences.
Abstract
For centuries, signatures have served as a symbolic extension of our identity, appearing on contracts, artwork, and personal documents. Signatures have served as more than just a means of authentication; they are reflections of our identities, beliefs, and creativity. Imagine a signature evolving beyond its static form, becoming an animated representation of the individual behind it. This project imagines signatures as living organisms that evolve and change over time, like our personalities and character traits. By infusing signatures with subtle animations and distinct visual styles, each signature takes on a personality and movement, mirroring the diversity and nuances of the individuals they represent. This exploration seeks to redefine how we perceive signatures, turning them into dynamic expressions of identity rather than static marks on paper. Furthermore, this endeavour seeks to challenge conventional notions of signatures as mere legal marks, instead reimagining them as vibrant expressions of identity. It invites viewers to ponder the deeper connections between identity, creativity, and the visual representation of one's persona. Ultimately, this project aims to spark conversations about the multifaceted nature of human identity and the endless possibilities of artistic expression in the digital age.
Technical Details
This project utilizes p5.js to capture user signatures via a touchscreen, translating them into vector points. The algorithms will analyze signature attributes such as stroke count, average angle, and point distance, which then inform parametric drawings and animations applied to each signature. The project utilizes a JSON server to store signature characteristics, showcasing them on a large screen with dynamic animations reflecting their unique traits.
Research/Context
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This project draws inspiration from graphology and studies in drawing and linguistic analysis, such as the New York Times article “Kiki or Bouba?”. While graphology is considered unreliable for determining personality traits solely based on handwriting, this project draws inspiration from translating handwriting qualities into animations. The "kiki/bouba" effect, where certain words are associated with specific visual qualities, is another influence. Similarly, this project pairs visual signature qualities with personality traits, translating them into animated representations.