silence in ataraxia*

The aim of this project was to investigate the everyday, by implementing technology which encourages the user to be more self-aware. I created a reactive sculpture that encourages the users to find themselves in the presence of silence more often. It is meant to inhibit the behaviour and habit of people slowing down within their days.

{experience design, coding, physical computing, illustration, data visualisation}

* a state of serenity as described by greek philosophy.

(2022)

[user experience]

I created my work to showcase the sublime in moments of the everyday and illuminate them through silence. This tool allows the audience to enter a silent space for self-awareness and notice the noise of their surroundings and themselves within this noise. I created a reactive sculpture that symbiotically collaborates with the user. The less the user moves in the space surrounding the tool, the less noise the sculpture creates.

[reactive sculpture]

The sculpture works on a basis of reacting to users’ movement by making light and audio noise. The more the user moves, thhe more noise the machine creates. It is an Arduino UNO Mini battery powered suspended circuit, inspired by the fly wire sculptures by Mohit Bhoite. The wire-frame connects all components of the circuit through open wiring. I want to present a sculpture that both asks the user to settle in silence and question how they honestly view the world by establishing a connection with a machine.

[instructional postcard concertina version 1 & 2]

The sculpture is supported by an illustrative and explanatory piece in the form of a series of posters. These can be used as instructional pieces and takeaway postcards hung around the experience space. These illustrations are duotone Risograph prints showcasing the use of the sculpture aswell as explanatory texts on the backside. Including two versions, one fully illustrated and the other empty for the user interaction.