The Power Paradox #3

by Team Echo

Experiential
Spatial Experience UX 2023

Creative Director Binna Lee
Visual Designer: Cici Sichun Zhang
Craetive Technician: Roy Yang
Sound Designer: Jay Tobin

TouchDesigner
MadMapper
Arduino + Ping Sensor
Sculpture Design

Step into the enigmatic realm of ‘The Power Paradox’

A symphony of vibrant, interactive projection mapping on a mesh structure. This avant-garde Installation prototype delves into the dichotomies of digital discourse, juxtaposing the empowerment of voices with the pitfalls of misinformation. It’s a compelling exploration of digital ethics, challenging the narrative of collective intelligence with the imperative of critical thought through mesmerizing performative projection mapping.

Prototype #1︎︎︎
Prototype #2︎︎︎
Latest work: Echo︎︎︎

︎︎︎ Video

CONCEPT

The design of ‘The Power Paradox’ is crafted, blending advanced projection techniques with striking visual effects. The mesh structure serves as a canvas that brings to life the complexities of digital communication. It’s an embodiment of the paradoxical digital landscape - a space where freedom of expression meets the manipulation of information, where each interaction can have profound implications.

This performative installation invites visitors to reassess their roles in the digital world, encouraging a dialogue that navigates the intricacies of digital echo chambers. It serves as a potent reminder of the dual nature of our digital actions, highlighting how each decision can shape our collective future, either positively or negatively.

We present not just an artistic installation but a critical commentary on our interconnected digital era. It’s an invitation for thoughtful engagement with the ethical complexities of digital communication, urging proactive involvement in shaping a responsible, informed future.

STRUCTURE

Our design incorporates several meshed pentakis dodecahedron structures in varying sizes, symbolizing the clusters of information and interconnected groups of people we encounter daily. Projecting our specially crafted images, generated through TouchDesigner, onto these structures will offer audiences a multifaceted and immersive experience. This setup is intended to provide a scaled perspective that mirrors the complexity and connectedness of the digital world we navigate.

MATERIAL

In developing “The Power Paradox,” we initially experimented with reflective materials to dynamically enhance visual effects in response to audience proximity.
However, during testing, we observed unexpected outcomes. The reflective surfaces, instead of smoothly mirroring images, produced distortions akin to the warping of information on social media platforms.

This revelation highlighted a metaphorical significance: just as the material distorted reflections, information often gets distorted as it traverses various media. These insights informed a new layer of meaning in our project. The reflective material now symbolizes the complexities of digital communication – how truth can be manipulated and obscured in the digital realm.

INTERACTION

Our project integrates audience interaction with evolving visual complexity. Initially, the installation displays a simple black and white scene of flowing points and lines. As visitors are detected, this scene transforms, becoming more complex and dynamic, yet retaining its monochromatic palette. (See the next pages for a visual example.)

The interaction deepens when multiple people are present. The visuals then shift to vibrant colors, with the imagery growing more intricate to reflect the collective presence. This symbolizes the diversity and richness of collective voices, creating a lively and chaotic visual experience.

Our engineer’s vision extends this concept, encouraging visitors to engage deeply, symbolizing a journey through the installation’s layers to uncover a tapestry of authentic voices amidst the chaos. This interaction represents a collaborative effort, where each movement and presence contributes to the dynamic narrative of our interconnected world.

︎︎︎ Video

Generative Audio Interaction: April 25th 2024

Visual Design Credit by Cici Sichun Zhang

TEAM CREDITS

Binna Lee: Concept & Art Direction, Research, Sculpture Design & Building
Schun: Visual Design
Roy Yang: Research, Design, Interaction Design & Programming