The First
Void Deck
2023
Interactive Installation
TouchDesigner, Raspberry Pi

Concept Abstract
This project is a visual interpretation of Rama by Masakatsu Takagi, a piece that gently but powerfully celebrates the connections between people and the rhythms of everyday life. The visuals aim to translate the music's essence, capturing its serene yet inspiring qualities. In this work, I hope the audience can find as much enjoyment in the visuals as in the audio, resonating with the beauty of life’s everyday moments. Through this piece, I invite viewers to pause, reflect, and savor the beauty in life, even in the midst of challenges.

Concept Abstract
EchoFlows is inspired by the Tree Communication Mechanism, explores the symbiotic ecologies of communication between tree roots and their reflection on human society. We draw a parallel between trees and the internet, envisioning the latter as a colossal Mycorrhizal Network connecting people globally.

It mirrors the personalised nature of social media algorithms (Pinterest), prompting reflection on the symbiotic relationships between users, content, creators, and platforms. Our aim is to raise awareness about online behaviours, encouraging self-reflection on how they shape our perceptions and connections to the world, fostering a critical examination of the impact of personalised algorithms on our digital experiences.

Methodology
The tree roots structure with LED screens symbolises the expansive communication network of the internet, echoing the intricate connections observed in mycorrhizal networks. Visitors could actively interact with the installation by facing various content displayed on the screens.

Through a hidden webcam and ultrasonic sensor, we implement a mechanism similar to short-term pinning sprees, calculating user preferences based on gaze duration. As users engage with these interactive bursts, the system adapts to their preferences, mirroring the personalised nature of social media algorithms. The installation encourages reflection on unconscious content filtering, paralleling behaviours observed in the Pinterest algorithm.

Portocal

TouchDesigner Workflow

Liu Xinyi