This chapter prompted introspection about the projects I want to pursue in this course. I’m drawn to replicating the profound impact of teamLab exhibits I experienced in Japan. These exhibitions were not only visually striking but also highly interactive. One memory that stands out is an installation where rain-like graphics, emanating from the ceiling, would divert around a person standing underneath, emulating the deflection of raindrops. In another exhibit, projected flowers withered and died as visitors approached them. With multiple attendees, the room would momentarily be bereft of blossoms before a fresh bloom began, restarting the cycle.
These showcases brilliantly epitomize:
Design Principle 4.3: Build Complexity as the sum of simple elements.
Using the rain illustration, each light band represents a simple element. Collectively, they simulate rainfall. Similarly, individual flowers wilting contribute to the overall narrative of the exhibit.
This principle can also be seen in the fluid-based audio-visualizer I’m developing. At a glance, one sees only grid cells on the screen. Yet, underlying these are intricate physics equations determining each pixel’s hue based on fluid dynamics. The thrill I experience when manipulating the fluid with my mouse is ineffable. Introducing a waveform and its FFT to this dynamic would be enthralling.
Although the chapter’s primary focus wasn’t visual design, I’d like to pivot to audio now.
Design Principle 4.3 also evokes thoughts of Conway’s Game of Life. Envisioning an audio sequencer inspired by it is exhilarating. It’s admittedly premature to contemplate, given my ongoing visualizer project, but the allure is irresistible. A 2D grid reflecting Conway’s game that dictates the musical notes embodies this design principle. It’s rapidly becoming a favorite of mine.
Another principle that resonated deeply was:
Design Principle 4.8: Experiment to illogical extremes (and pull back according to taste).
This is evident in my journey with the audiovisualizer. Integrating a fluid physics simulation into ChucK was an arduous task, but witnessing its fruition was rewarding. Such ventures invigorate me, although I’m wary of biting off more than I can chew. One looming concern is the potential sluggishness introduced by computing sound in the visualizer. But experimentation is tempting.
Lastly,
Design Principle 4.5: Design things with a computer that would not be possible without
This resonates profoundly, encapsulating my aspirations for this course.