Monday, May 9, 2011

Project Spec & Installation Manual

Project Synopsis

     ‘Live in the pink’ is a three-dimensional walkthrough interactive installation that allows entire body to be in motion, focusing mainly on the feet. Not only user get the opportunity to have a stroll in the virtual landscape, but also at the same time, experience the real-life motion of their foot as if they are really having a walk in that scenario. The objective of this project is to let user experience a real-life walkthrough using their feet to navigate with virtual environment. Besides that, it is to include the whole body using input devices and not just by using hand to control the interaction. Next, it is also to encourage people to be active while navigating with the installation.

     The theme of this project is mainly on body, identity, and sensors. It uses projection as the medium. The idea of this project is based on the issue of physical exercise that should be practiced without fail by everybody. There are numerous types of exercise that offers an endless list of benefits to one’s health. Without doubt, one of the most easiest and applicable exercise for all is; none other than walking. Walking regardless of its distance is by nature a part of everyday life’s routine to get to Point B from Point A, and vice versa.

     Instead of using keyboard to control the interaction, input devices to detect feet motion should be included so that it will not be standstill at one place with only visual aid to give the illusion that the user is so-called walking. This project was created using various software and hardware. It took me more or less 6 weeks to finish up the whole thing from scratch. To complete this interactive installation, it involves two main techniques inter-related with one another which is 3D and Wii hacking. As for the design approach, it includes 3D island virtual environment, interactive buttons and navigation, and also background music.

    The concept ideation is to create a 3D environment based on the island scenery for walkthrough steering. Include some background music and sound effect. Projector will project the standalone 3D file on the wall. Wii Balance Board will be placed on the floor. To start navigate with the virtual environment, step on the Balance Board to control the forward, backward, left, and right movement while holding a remote mouse to direct up, down, left, and right head rotation.