Throughout the exhibition, both our own observations and audience feedback revealed several areas for improvement — offering valuable guidance for future iterations of the project.

1. Interaction Design

• The microphone required users to blow air at a very specific angle and intensity in order to trigger the visuals. This made the interaction feel unintuitive or difficult for some.

• Low sensitivity and limited number of microphones reduced accessibility and responsiveness.

• Some participants suggested considering other ways of sensing breath — such as body movement, pulse, or temperature — by using more diverse sensors.

• The 5-second inhale duration was considered too long by several users. A 4:6 breathing rhythm (inhale for 4 seconds, exhale for 6) was proposed as a more natural and meditative alternative.

2. Sound Design

• The sound of blowing air was described as storm-like and slightly harsh. Visitors recommended exploring softer or more ambient alternatives to avoid overwhelming the calm atmosphere.

• Suggestions were made to add layered audio effects to enrich the sonic environment.

• Adding surround sound or echo effects through multiple speakers was also proposed, to create a more immersive spatial experience.

3. Visuals 

• • Visual richness: The visual changes were not dynamic enough and became repetitive over time. They suggested adding more variation, layering, or complexity to keep the experience engaging throughout.

  • Visual consistency: Some feedback pointed out a lack of coherence between the physical installation and the digital visuals. Jules suggested importing photographs of our sculpture into TouchDesigner and transforming them into abstract visuals. This could help bridge the gap between physical and digital elements, creating a more unified visual language — similar to the method used in 77 Million Paintings.

Apr 4, 2025

Time & Dates  | 8:30AM-12:30PM, April 4, 2025

Members | Process Group & Philly

Location | Alison House Atrium

 

8:30am

On the day of our exhibition, we arrived at the venue at 8:30am to begin setting up. We borrowed some cushions and low tables from Alison House and arranged the space according to our pre-designed layout. To make the area more inviting and comfortable, we added two extra cushions and set up additional screens for visitors to relax and enjoy the work.

Our installation was carefully placed in position, accompanied by the handmade flower sculpture, glowing orb lights, and LED strips to enhance the atmosphere. Ashley brought her projector light, which helped create a warm, immersive vibe. Meanwhile, other team members prepared printed materials, including postcards, flyers, and a step-by-step interaction guide, which we displayed at the entrance.

9:00am

At 9:00am, Philly arrived with microphones and lighting equipment. With his help, we started the technical setup and testing. There were some initial issues with audio connections and device compatibility, but Philly was quick to assist and troubleshoot. We then followed our planned schedule: testing audio and visual responsiveness.

During this process, we encountered a few problems — the microphone sensitivity was too low, which affected both the sound and the visuals in TouchDesigner. Ashley and Philly worked together to adjust the audio settings, while Hefan carefully fine-tuned the visuals to match our original intention.

10:30am

At the same time, Yixuan was documenting the whole process, taking behind-the-scenes footage and detail shots of the space and installation. Around 10:30am, a small group of meditation enthusiasts arrived for testing. We guided them through the experience and conducted some short interviews to collect feedback.

11:00am

By 11:00am, more and more visitors began to enter the space. Jules arrived as well, and he spent some time engaging deeply with our installation. He gave us valuable feedback — including actionable suggestions like improving the surround sound. Ashley and Philly began working on that right away.

11:30am

At 11:30am, the exhibition officially started. Everything ran smoothly, and many visitors interacted with the installation just as we had hoped. However, we also noticed a few unexpected issues and took the chance to interview some willing participants. The event wrapped up around 1:00pm.

Apr 4, 2025

Overview: Today’s meeting is divided into three parts. First, we go over the project logic once again. Then, we check in on individual progress. Finally, we attempt to connect TD with Max.

During our reassessment of the project framework, Can pointed out that our work lacks sufficient research to support the creative process. To address this issue, we plan to conduct primary research through interviews to gather relevant insights. Specifically, we intend to interview meditation practitioners, members of yoga communities, and the general public to extract key themes from their responses. These themes will serve as the foundation for creative exploration, providing a conceptual basis for our sound and visual design. This approach will ensure that our work is both theoretically grounded and conceptually cohesive.

Next, we shared our respective progress. Xinyi shared the installation plan, , Roulin shared the loop audio she created for the project, and Hefan showed her experiment in Touch Designer.

Ashley and Hefan are attempting TD Max connection, while Can, Yixuan, and Li are testing the connection between Arduino and TD

This is the manpower requirement for installation manufacturing

• •  Design Sketches
  •  Sensor Cotainer
  •  Lung Model
  •  Plastic Flower Model
  • Lighting & Space Setup
  • Other……

We have decided to gather in the common room downstairs from Yixuan’s dormitory to make it together after the materials are ready in the later stage, and Roulin mentioned that she has learned how to light up. In addition, Ashley mentioned that how to place the computers on the exhibition space is also a question that needs to be considered.

Mar 1, 2025

Overview: Conducted TD + Arduino connection tests. Finalized visual effects, installation form, and breathing guidance approach.

进行了TD + Arduino连接测试,确定了视觉效果、装置形式以及呼吸引导方式.

Members: Yixuan Zhang, Can Huang, Li Lyu, Hefan Zhang，Xinyi Qian

Connection Test   连接测试

• Tested Temp/Humid Sensor.

测试了Temp/Humid Sensor。

• Issue: Data changes were detected, but the displayed value was “loudness,” and the signal variation was weak (power amplification might help).

有数据变化，但显示的值为loudness，且信号变化小（可以尝试功率放大）。

• Solution: Consult GPT or reach out to Joe for further assistance.

询问GPT或者联系Joe寻求解决方案。

Visual Effects 视觉效果

img1: references for visual effect

 

Primarily abstract, encouraging any experimental or suitable effects (e.g., particles, organic abstract forms) to create a relaxing experience for the audience. Visuals should complement the auditory elements and are divided into two aspects:

以抽象形式为主，鼓励任何想尝试/合适的效果(如粒子、抽象的有机形式……)，能给观众带来放松的感受即可。视觉效果与听觉相辅相成，分为两个方面:

• Stable, pre-set initial image: Guides the audience’s breathing through smooth visual transitions, based on a 4:6 or 5:5 breathing pattern (undetermined)(LFO CHOP in TD can generate stable periodic signals).
• Breathing-driven dynamic image: Changes according to the audience’s breathing with more noticeable variations (If the signal is weak, Math CHOP can amplify it; if unstable, Filter CHOP can smooth it).
• 稳定的、预设的初始图像: 通过稳定的图像变化，对观众进行呼吸引导（基于4:6或者5:5的呼吸模式（还有待确定），可以在TD中使用 LFO CHOP（低频振荡器）生成平稳的周期性信号）

• 由呼吸数据驱动的变化图像: 随着观众的呼吸而变化，是一种相对明显的变化（如果信号不稳定，可以在TD中使用Math CHOP（信号放大）；信号不平稳可以使用Filter CHOP（信号平滑））

 

The two types of visuals should be distinct but maintain a unified aesthetic. Considerations for color, graphical language, and transition methods between the two visuals should be explored.

两种图像需要有所区分，但仍保持整体视觉风格统一，可以考虑以下方面（色彩、图形语言、两种图像之间的过渡方式……？）

 

Example：一些可能的参考，是动图，请不用局限于此! 🙂

1.https://www.bilibili.com/video/BV1Um411U7dg/?spm_id_from=333.337.search-card.all.click&vd_source=98a9f21f8926b87ae9b0222479b370ec

3.https://www.pinterest.com/pin/3870349674035224/

4.https://www.pinterest.com/pin/1548181177675743/

5.https://www.pinterest.com/pin/70016969202861487/

6.https://www.pinterest.com/pin/296393219255209075/

7.https://www.pinterest.com/pin/13721973860622099/

8.请随意补充

 

Installation 装置形式

img2: references for installation

1.Breath Interaction Device: A sensor is placed inside a portable/handheld container, allowing the audience to blow air in a comfortable position. (Providing cushions?)

1. 吹气装置：将传感器放入可移动/手持的容器中，让观众以自身舒适的状态进行吹气。（提供坐垫？）

2.Main Installation: A breath-themed sculptural installation, combining plant and organ-like forms using lightweight, transparent, or semi-transparent materials to create an organic and lifelike effect. (Examples: Transparent resin + pigments for organ models; heat gun + plastic for plant-like structures.)

2.主装置：以“呼吸”为主题的造型装置，用质感较轻、透明或半透明的材质制作植物和器官结合的装置，使其具备有机感和生命感。（例如：用透明树脂+色素制作器官模型；用热风枪和塑料制作植物造型）

3.Lighting: Breathing lights / LED strips enhance the ambient atmosphere. LED strips connect the two installations or serve as decorative data lines, controlling the light variation speed (slow and smooth).

3.灯光：呼吸灯/LED灯条作为场地装饰增强氛围感。用灯条连接两个装置/装饰数据线, 控制灯光变化速率（缓慢、流畅）。

Examples:

1. https://vimeo.com/groups/748223/videos/229735045
2. https://www.bilibili.com/video/BV1Ja4y1u7bP?spm_id_from=333.788.recommend_more_video.0&vd_source=98a9f21f8926b87ae9b0222479b370ec
3. 请随意补充

Feb 15, 2025