Dot Dot Dot
An interactive and immersive projected exhibit showcased @ Imagine RIT.
In a semester-long, 10-person group, I worked on an immersive art exhibit that was showcased at the Imagine RIT festival. I had the pleasure of watching my designs and animations come to life and be enjoyed by 300+ visitors. The project involved working with multiple projectors, Kinects, and with a team of developers to create this interactive experience.
Software
Figma, Rive
Duration
12 weeks
Roles
Animator, Designer,
Project Manager
OUR PROMPT
"Strange Transformations"
We were tasked with creating, in groups of 10, an interactive exhibit for our intended audience in 12 weeks for Imagine RIT, which hundreds of people attend every year. Our only restriction was that it had to fit the theme of "strange transformations."
OUR SOLUTION
An Interactive Floor Experience
Designers will create interactive multimedia artworks that trigger animations when stepped on. Multiple projectors will be used to minimize shadows, and multiple Kinects will be employed to track users.
TIMELINE AND GOALS
Important Design Benchmarks for this Project.
Concept Development
•Establish a unified art style
•Organize teams by role
•Develop preliminary illustrations
Technical Integration
•Collaborate with developers
•Evaluate software options
•Master the selected software
Production and Testing
•Create preliminary designs
•Finalize illustrations and animations
•Refine experience based on user tests
CONCEPT DEVELOPMENT
Our Group of 10 Agreed on an Art Style & Theme.
We chose to focus on our strengths with a multimedia approach of various art styles and interests.
We, as a team of 7 designers, divided our efforts among the following three established art styles to create 1-2 complete designs and animations.
•Abstract
•Illustration
•Vector
Preliminary Animations Showcasing Potential User Path
TECHNICAL INTERGRATION
Rive Intergrated Best with Unity.
After testing animation integrations within Unity using GIFs, MP4s, and sprite sheets, we decided to use Rive, a software that was new to all of us.
Both developers and designers followed tutorials, and I even created custom tutorials to better assist our team with this specific project. Additionally, I utilized forums and contacted Rive employees for help, which proved to be extremely helpful!
The developers then combined the Rive test animations, Unity, projectors, and Kinects to start implementing motion tracking.
Hardware Used
•Multiple projectors to reduce shadows cast by users walking
•Multiple Kinects to track up to 6 people simultaneously
•A PC and Router
PRODUCTION AND TESTING
I Focused on Creating Vector Designs.
I focused on incorporating natural elements into my first piece, choosing to integrate many organic shapes. For my second design, I wanted to create something sweet, including pastel colors, and using neapolitan ice cream as a base.
Created Multiple Iterations Before Animating
We chose a pixel size of 1080 x 1920 for our designs. This naturally led me to incorporate a "grid" into both of my designs. As mentioned before, I aimed to blend both organic and inorganic elements by making the design whimsical, using a mix of local and non-local colors.
Feedback from Users
•Make colors brighter to compensate for projector washout
•Adjust the speed and fix any animation glitches
•Change or enlarge areas that trigger the interactions
Increase Color Brightness
Planned Animations
Change Animation Targets
Fix Animation Glitches
Wheelchair Accessible
SOLUTIONS
From Screen to Projector.
Each full design featured over 50 animations, including both secondary animations and main interactive ones.
Cactus Lanscape Design and Animation
Sweet Treats Design and Animation
Secondary Animations
These animations played automatically, without requiring user interaction. I included them to attract and engage people walking outside of the exhibit.
Interactive Animations
From the subtle wind waving the trees to the falling and spinning elements, each "box" in the grid was fully animated to ensure a complete and immersive experience for the visitors at the exhibit.
IMAGINE RIT
Showcased My Work to Over 300 Guests!
We were fortunate to know our room in advance, allowing us to set up two wall projectors and two Kinects on tripods. We transformed a cluttered workshop into a blacked-out immersive art exhibit. The festival was open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with the projection cycling through 20 different designs, each lasting 20-40 seconds.
Room Dimensions
Animations on the Floor
Other Designs from the Group
Physical Stickers for Vistors
TAKEAWAYS
I Really Enjoyed Working with Developers.
Developer Collaboration
•Experienced backend development
•Bridged design and development
•Improved communication skills
Teamwork
•Managed a 10-person team
•Worked with diverse working styles
•Effectively resolved conflicts
Time Management
•Managed workload efficiently
•Balanced full-time study and work
•Developed strong organizational skills
Let's connect!
