As I touched on briefly in my previous blog post, the Circle series is centered around the concept of audio-visual games, where a designated “conductor” takes control. Positioned within the circle and equipped with motion-tracking gloves, the conductor manipulates sound and visuals in real time, creating an immersive, interactive experience. The LED interface, consisting of 16 LED strips arranged in a ring, serves as the visual canvas for this dynamic interplay.
Building on my prior experience with creating interactive gloves and using motion to control sound, I feel confident in generating and manipulating audio elements through hand gestures. This familiarity has allowed me to focus more intently on exploring and refining the visual components of the installation. My goal is to design an engaging and intuitive system where light and sound not only complement but also amplify each other.
The “Entry Game”: A Gateway to Interaction
The first element I’ve programmed for The Circle series is the “Entry Game.” This game is designed to trigger automatically as the conductor steps into the circle. The concept behind the Entry Game is to provide an immediate, engaging introduction to the system. Upon entry, the motion-tracking gloves activate a sequence of lights on the LED strips, signaling that the conductor has entered a new interactive domain. This game acts as a gateway, setting the stage for deeper levels of interaction while ensuring the conductor feels immersed from the outset.
“Digital Hula Hoop”: A Work in Progress
Another game currently in development is the “Digital Hula Hoop.” This element focuses on creating a visual and sonic interplay that responds dynamically to the conductor’s movements. The idea is to program two light circles in different colors, representing the conductor’s hands. These circles will move and tilt within the LED ring based on the motion data captured by the gloves.
At this stage, the animation for the Digital Hula Hoop is automated and does not yet include sound integration. However, the visual elements are being refined to ensure smooth and intuitive responsiveness. The next step involves linking the motion-tracking data to control the position and orientation of the light circles dynamically.
On the auditory side, I envision pairing the light movements with evolving drone sounds. The amplitude and distortion of the sound would change in response to swift horizontal hand movements, creating a sense of energy and tension. Additionally, vertical hand motions could modulate the pitch, adding depth and variety to the soundscape. The ultimate goal is to achieve seamless synchronization between sound and visuals, where each gesture transforms the conductor into a performer and the LED ring into a living, reactive instrument.
I added dramatic sound design which is suppose to evoke entering to the cybernetic liminal space.
While the The Ring series is still in its early stages, the progress so far has been exciting and illuminating. The combination of intuitive hand-controlled soundscapes and visually dynamic LED animations offers immense creative potential. Moving forward, I aim to refine the interaction mechanics, ensuring that the system is not only responsive but also rewarding for both the conductor and the audience. Each game in the series will build on the others, gradually increasing in complexity and encouraging deeper engagement with the installation.