| DESIGN NAME: Blossom
 
 PRIMARY FUNCTION:
 Interactive Installation
 
 INSPIRATION:
 This artwork draws inspiration from Eastern philosophy, particularly the concepts of "the cycle of life" and "mindfulness of the present moment." The blossoming flower symbolizes fleeting beauty, while the closing bud reflects life's cyclical nature. Rooted in the wisdom of harmony with nature, the piece invites viewers to embrace the present and reflect on the interconnectedness of humanity, time, and the natural world.
 
 UNIQUE PROPERTIES / PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
 Blossom is an interactive video installation inspired by Eastern philosophy, emphasizing the cycle of life and the importance of being present. Through the blooming of a Hibiscus rosa-sinensis (China rose) in response to the viewer’s presence, the piece invites contemplation of life’s transient beauty. It encourages viewers to embrace the moment, finding clarity and meaning within the perpetual rhythm of existence.
 
 OPERATION / FLOW / INTERACTION:
 The ToF sensor detects the viewer's presence, sending data to a microcontroller that triggers TouchDesigner to control the video. The flower blooms fully when a viewer pauses, retreats to a bud when they leave, and reacts minimally to passersby. If the viewer leaves during the blooming process, it pauses and retreats to the bud. The integration of precise sensor data with dynamic content enables an intuitive and engaging interaction, fostering a deeper connection to the present moment.
 
 PROJECT DURATION AND LOCATION:
 The project started in September 2024 in New York City and finished in December 2024 in New York City, and was exhibited in Interactive Telecommunication Exhibition Brooklyn in December 2024.
 
 
 | PRODUCTION / REALIZATION TECHNOLOGY: The design integrates a ToF (time-of-flight) sensor to detect the viewer's presence. Sensor data is processed by a microcontroller, which communicates with TouchDesigner, an interactive visual application running on a computer. TouchDesigner triggers the video content based on the input, which is then displayed on a CRT TV. This workflow combines precision sensing with dynamic visuals to create an engaging, responsive experience.
 
 SPECIFICATIONS / TECHNICAL PROPERTIES:
 Width 350 mm, Depth 350 mm, Height 420 mm
 
 TAGS:
 Interactive Installation, Responsive Art, Video Installation, Physical Computing, Presence, Eastern Philosophy
 
 RESEARCH ABSTRACT:
 Type of Research: Experimental design research.
Objectives: To explore how interactivity fosters mindfulness and emotional engagement.
Methodology: Prototyping and user testing refined the interaction between technology and behavior.
Tools: ToF sensor, microcontroller, and TouchDesigner enabled dynamic responses.
Results: Viewers paused to engage, highlighting its calming impact.
Insights: The project bridges art, technology, and mindfulness, inspiring future public and interactive designs.
 
 CHALLENGE:
 The hardest part was translating Eastern philosophy into an interactive design that could communicate mindfulness and presence to a global audience. Capturing the transient beauty of a flower blooming required aligning technology with philosophical principles, ensuring it felt natural and reflective. The challenge was balancing technical precision with artistic subtlety, overcoming limitations in sensor accuracy, and ensuring the system’s responsiveness evoked the cyclical, harmonious nature central to Eastern thought.
 
 ADDED DATE:
 2025-01-20 07:55:42
 
 TEAM MEMBERS (1) :
 
 
 IMAGE CREDITS:
 Zhenglong Yang, 2024.
 
 
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