I propose creating a responsive art piece: a set of animated lights that respond to the presence of a person in a room, the signs of life. This piece is inspired by a loose interpretation of the title and thematic elements of Werner Herzog’s debut feature film, Signs of Life.
I would like to use this opportunity to integrate features from P3: GLOW and P4: SOUND FOR SOMEONE by using a combination of the 8*8 LED panel and Arduino sensors. My goal is to make the project a technical showcase of my creative inspirations from this class, as well as the skills I’ve learned throughout the semester.
Each phase will be completed according to the timeline below, independently.
Phase 1: Ideation
I will finish sketching out how I plan to attach the sensors to the Arduino and embroidery hoop, while figuring out the approximate appearance of the final piece. This will require researching the basic code for each sensor (including a lot of open source tutorials) and testing out how I plan to wire everything together.
Phase 2: Sensor Testing and Programming
At this point, I expect a working version of my project without its final encasement (the embroidery hoop). I should be able to check that each sensor is able reliably pick up a measurement and return an output (for now, a binary YES or NO). This step will probably take the longest (2 days of prototyping and testing) as I figure out the benchmarks and minimum levels of detection for each sensor.
Phase 3: Construction and Animation
I will put together the breadboard, LED panel, and Arduino UNO in its final casing and reconstruct my embroidery hoop based off the design from P3: GLOW. This will require a couple hours of gluing, taping, and fidgeting with wires to try to make the hardware as invisible as possible. Simultaneously, I will work on the animations for the LED panel. This will be a pretty simple animation that changes in LED brightness and flashing speed. I expect this phase to take up to a day of focused work.
Phase 4: Polishing
After finishing all the code and construction, I will working on finalizing and polishing my project. This will entail compiling documentation and ensuring that the entire embroidery hoop is responsive. I will enlist my friends in interacting with the final piece ahead of the showcase.
| Week 12 (4/13 - 4/19) | Submit final project proposal
Phase 1: finish ideation and sketches
Phase 2: test Arduino sensor attachments and reactivity |
| --- | --- |
| Week 13 (4/20 - 4/26) | Phase 3: reconstruct embroidery hoop and work on LED animation - by 4/28 |
| Week 14 (4/27 - 5/3) | Note to self: final NEU 165 exam this week, thesis poster due → push on these phases after the deadlines
Phase 4: polish piece elements for the rest of the week |
| Week 15 (5/4 - 5/6) | Finish documentation and any submissions, prepare for showcase |
I would like this piece to serve as a simple wall fixture that visitors can walk by, stop, and inspect. I want to include minimal directions for participants, and instead allow them to figure out its purpose based on the title. It is up to the viewer to derive the meaning of “Signs of Life” and interpret it for themselves.
Overall, I hope the final project feels like the culmination for my technical and creative growth from this semester (and even my undergrad). I want to have fun with making the piece and feel proud of what I’ve accomplished over the past few months.