About the Project
The goal of this project was to create an interactive art installation with at least three distinct user interactions. No major creative constraints were imposed other than a $160 budget, the requirement of user feedback, and a display of the passage of time. This is the result.
Functionality
the void is an immersive audiovisual experience through which a user directly interacts with light and sound. The core of the void is an LED infinity mirror whose light can change in both color and intensity.
The experience begins with the void inviting the user to interact by gently pulsing a hand-shaped LED indicator. Once the user puts on the headphones and places their hand on the indicator, the void welcomes the user using a distinct audiovisual pattern and enters the first of its two interaction states. The first interaction state is Beat Mode, during which the distance of the user's hand to the hand-shaped LED indicator determines the frequency of both a color changing pattern and a drum/bass beat. The closer the user's hand is to the indicator, the slower the frequency of the pattern. |
By pressing the illuminated mode button, the user can switch into Note Mode. In this mode, the position of the user's hand determines the pitch of a synth note, allowing the void to be played like a musical instrument. The user also receives visual feedback, as each note corresponds to a specific color of light in the infinity mirror.
During both modes, the user can alter the intensity of the LEDs illuminating infinity mirror. This has the added effect of altering the "depth" of the infinity effect produced by the mirror – brighter light produces a deeper void. The passage of time is visualized using a unique liquid hourglass timer backlit by LEDs.
After 45 seconds, the void requires rest and indicates to the user that their experience has come to an end via an audiovisual pattern. the void then re-enters its invitation state, glowing the LEDs of the hand-shaped indicator to invite the next user to interact. If the user stops interacting with the device for more than 30 seconds at any point, the void returns to its invitation state.
During both modes, the user can alter the intensity of the LEDs illuminating infinity mirror. This has the added effect of altering the "depth" of the infinity effect produced by the mirror – brighter light produces a deeper void. The passage of time is visualized using a unique liquid hourglass timer backlit by LEDs.
After 45 seconds, the void requires rest and indicates to the user that their experience has come to an end via an audiovisual pattern. the void then re-enters its invitation state, glowing the LEDs of the hand-shaped indicator to invite the next user to interact. If the user stops interacting with the device for more than 30 seconds at any point, the void returns to its invitation state.
The Team
The architects of the void are: Brittany Hallawell, Eric Gonzalez, and Hang Yang.