Interactive Generative Art

Project poster

Final prototype

Future concept 2

Project poster

1/13

Description

Why

This project is deeply related to my vision of enriching our public space with new forms of interactions between citizens. I wanted to provide people with a low-effort, playful, and collaborative way to engage with a universally loved feature of mankind - the making of art.

In 2020, I discovered the technology of generative art, art created by computers. Making generative art was such a unique and surprising experience that I wished for everyone to be able to experience it. However, I learned that there was no existing product that made generative art accessible to everyday people. Until now.

What

This interactive generative art installation exists out of a few components: two controllers, several blocks, and a screen displaying the artwork generated using TouchDesigner.

Every block is a unique token for a specific effect of the artwork. For example, size, shape or color. To activate it, one places a block into one of the holders of their controller. The block lights up. Now, by changing the corresponding slider, the user starts changing the artwork.

The experience becomes collaborative due to the blocks being exchangeable and there being two controllers.

Results and future

In the end, this project has involved over 80 people making their own generative artworks. It was a great success seeing how it spurred intrigue, play, and connection in the public places that were used.

This project shall be further developed. Possibly earning a place in Motion Experience or GLOW 2023

Learning points

Besides producing a prototype that transcends in quality of what I have managed to produce before, gaining a broader knowledge of exemplary projects from other designers, and a deeper understanding of human behavior with public installations, I have for the first time witnessed my vision in action.

People's willingness to engage in novel interactions in public spaces had always been an assumption of mine. But standing at Stationsplein with this project and seeing the smiles and conversations taking place, I felt that I had it by the right end.

I know there is still much to learn and to improve before anything like this project can be considered ready to be released in the open, but I now know that there is potential and an unmet need in this direction.

Most importantly, I have learned that I love doing this work and working in this field (urban innovation and experience design).