For the final submitted video, our initial editing structure was as follows: the first part would introduce the overall concept, the second part would explain the production process, the third would present the on-site installations, and the final section would feature interviews. However, during the actual editing process, we found that this structure made some sections overly lengthy and caused the overall pacing to feel sluggish, which affected the viewing experience. After several rounds of adjustments, I decided to adopt a new structure: starting with the core concept, then interweaving the installation introductions with interview footage, and ending with behind-the-scenes clips. This restructuring made the video more dynamic and better organized in terms of rhythm and narrative flow.

All audio materials used in the video were originally created by our team. These include musical compositions and sound effects tailored for each moon, ambient ocean sounds, background music, and recorded narration. The narration script was written based on the core concept of our project — The Breath of Tidal Force. It begins with the natural phenomenon of tidal force and gradually leads the audience through various aspects of the exhibition, including spatial layout, visual design, soundscapes, interactive elements, and the construction of the installation. The video was carefully edited to align with the narration’s pacing, ensuring a cohesive and logically structured presentation.

Finally, we sincerely thank every team member for their dedicated effort, as well as the teachers who offered us valuable guidance and support throughout the process.

Tidal force — a subtle yet powerful natural phenomenon.It arises from the gravitational interactions between celestial bodies in the universe,silent and unseen, yet day after day, it shapes the breathing rhythm of the ocean.

In this installation — “The Breath of Tidal Force”,we give form to this invisible pull through visual, auditory, and musical experiences.You are invited to step into a sensory universe we have created,where light and movement intertwine,and feel the pulse and resonance that echo from the depths of the moon and the far reaches of the cosmos.

We blocked most of the light with black curtains to create a quiet, immersive universe. Four planets are arranged in a triangle around a central star, guiding the audience into the space. Each planet has its own texture—twisted wire for metal, chunky wool for lava, light cotton for gas, and a handmade Earth-like center.

The orbiting planets sit on 3D-printed trains and tracks, and visitors can pull handles to move them, becoming a tidal force in the universe.

On both sides, atmospheric videos made with TouchDesigner and Premiere express abstract feelings of water and time. Projectors cast visuals onto sheer black fabric, which ripples gently with passing movement, creating a tide-like effect. The central projection connects planets and ripples with the central star.

We have embedded the M5StickC Plus, which is connected to an ultrasonic sensor, inside a sphere, allowing it to measure the real-time distance between the “celestial body” and the “Earth.” This data is wirelessly transmitted to the host machine and then sent to the MAX/MSP project. Through the calculation of tidal force formulas, the distance data is dynamically converted into music, sound effects, and particle visual controls, thus creating an interactive system that blends scientific logic with sensory experience.

In terms of sound design, we control the dynamic sound effects of each planet through changes in tidal gravitational forces, and adjust the intensity of the sound of the waves based on the planet’s movement speed. This allows the audience to intuitively perceive the interaction between the “force” and the environment during the interactive process.

Regarding the music, the fluctuations in melody, instrumentation, and volume correspond to the strength of gravitational forces. The main melody of each celestial body is played by the closest speaker in a 4.0 channel system, enhancing the sense of immersion and presence for the audience in space.

In the visual aspect, we have created a dynamic particle system that simulates the movement of celestial bodies and the flow of waves. The attraction between the particles is controlled in real-time by the distance data. The color gradient from white to blue showcases the visual tension brought about by the changes in gravitational force.

Additionally, we have set up a water pool with a Bluetooth vibrating speaker embedded in it. The vibration frequency synchronizes with the emotional intensity of the music. The vibrations create real ripples on the water’s surface, which are projected onto the wall by a top-mounted projector, making the sound “visualized” in the form of water. This provides the audience with a multi-dimensional, tactile sensory experience.

This is a demo max patch that takes the data from three planets, generating MIDI notes in set rhythmic and bar patterns, moving through seven modes, with seven chord possibilities for each mode.

The following video shows the integrated atmosphere engine, made with samples from Shu and Fulong, working within the wider MIDI engine:

Atmosphere Screen Grab DMSP

by Fraser David Macdonald for DMSP Perception