I was interested in working with proximity to create the potential for participation and was originally looking at connecting an infrared camera, as a spatial sensor, to madmapper to create an instance for change in the projected visuals based on how close a person was to the projection. I also thought about using an Xbox Kinect, but found the neaat little Leap sensor which only detects hands. This felt oddly linked to my exploration of the reach gesture so I did a few tutorials and generated two interactive templates…
The finger trails change color based on the amount of time each fingertip remains in the same position in space, starting with red. The color diffuses slowly leaving traces of color that the follow the movement of both hands. The speed of movement affects the intensity of the color as well which I find is a nice way to demonstrate the amount of attention that is placed on the way the hands are moving rather than the generation of as much feedback as possible.
I don’t know what this is yet, but what I like about it is the perceptual-interactive element, specifically that it follows your lead and that you can control it but you cannot physically attain it, it cannot be grasped or felt. The fact that it can only be witnessed as a result of distorting the space visually means that it is represented by what it’s not. The object represented as a diamond gives is a precious quality, but it’s likeness is removed from any sense of a real, tangible object so we are able to meet it with more of an open mind in terms of it’s significance to us and the way we are meant to interact with it.
Working with the leap sensor and touch designer is an exploration of the self more than an exploration of technology. Interacting with the technology like this allows me to observe my own behaviour in a way that is removed from regular conclusions, associations and references. The pleasure I find in visually generated material that reacts with the movement of my hands is in finding the connection and being able to sustain a meaningful relationship with something that only operates on basic functions. The success of the interaction is being able to negotiate relevant feedback with a considerate approach. I equate this kind of negotiation with a distilled sense of care. The interaction is not very satisfying if you’re only interested in moving your hands around without any regard for whether or not the object is able to read your gesture. For a moment we slow down and consider what is needed from us. Watching that sensitivity evolve is really quite sweet.