TouchMe!, DiffractMe!

In this poster we present an engaging, interactive lighting installation entitled DiffractMe!. The design process for DiffractMe! was based on skill-based techniques, aiming to extract subtle yet profound experiential qualities from everyday perceptual motor-skills, in order to design and build engaging interactions. The installation consists of a frame and two interaction columns. The frame houses moveable transparent prisms, Rendering a complex and colourful light projection. Each interaction column features a transparent surface that visitors can manipulate, using their hands. These movements influence the movement of the prisms, and provide a type of force-feedback to the other interaction surface. This allows us to explore the qualities of engagement in this design on three levels: Firstly, visitors engage with the installation themselves, through a subtle, haptic interaction that allows them to play with light diffraction. Secondly, visitors at one installation engage with each other, in a subtle, haptic dialogue that makes them aware of, and involved in, each other’s movements. Thirdly, the dynamic and colourful light projection has a profound effect on the space surrounding the installation, enticing and engaging passers-by to become involved.