Footsteps of Impact
Interactive Media Arts
Aug 2022 - Jan 2023
A new perspective to project sound
Introduction
Footsteps of Impact is an interactive art project that aims to inspire people to rethink the impact of human activities on the natural environment. Through interactive images and installations, the project invites viewers to move within a specific space and simulate the changes in the impact of human behavior on the natural environment over time through their footsteps. By providing viewers with a unique experience, the project aims to help them gain a deeper understanding of the effects of human activities on the natural ecology under the concept of human-centered thinking. This interactive approach enables viewers to fully comprehend the impact of human activities on the natural environment and can also increase their awareness of environmental protection, thereby better protecting our planet.
Technicals
The installation uses an FSR force sensor to detect audience interaction through pressure or stepping. An ESP32 microcontroller processes this input and sends data to TouchDesigner, where real-time visuals are generated. The system also controls a DC TT motor through an L9110S driver to move physical elements in response to interaction. A projector outputs the visuals, linking body movement, mechanical response, and projected media into one interactive loop.
The system is organized around five primary components. A ceiling-mounted projector casts visuals toward a large frontal screen that serves as the main display surface. Suspended from an overhead lifting track are movable objects or panels that can be raised, lowered, or repositioned to alter the projected composition and spatial atmosphere. These hanging elements function both as sculptural components and as dynamic surfaces that can interrupt, catch, or reshape the projection.
Image Interaction (Touch Designer)
1. At first, the screen shows a clear background with no sign of pollution. There are a lot of green, and this represents the unpolluted Earth.
2. The first step a person takes, the screen starts to distort and become grey and blurry. This effect shows slowly how a person can damage our planet.
3. The trash bags keeps on dropping while the background shakes and distorts.
4. The third step, the background becomes black and white showing a dystopian environment.
5. This is the final stage shows the worst scenario. The background is completely distorted black and white, and only the trash in the foreground.
