Physical Computing - Fabrication Focus: Motors.
Concept: Playing with the emotional representation of vulnerability from what can seem confined to openness.
The above series of collaged diagram illustrates an expression of vulnerability, what is it like to put one's self in an exposed moment. This helped to trace on top the desired effect or webbing the rope can take when encapsulating a user.
Theme : Vulnerability
Technique: Shibari
Key words:
-Safety -Weak -Comfort
-No control - Strong
-Balance -Exposed
-Represent - Fear
Conceptual Sketch:
-Model:
Components and Materials:
After purchasing all of the components, the first step was to test out wiring the touch cap sensor along with the motor. Along with the code, at first the sensor worked fine by itself but when it got wired up to the motor it became super sensitive that it didn't even need a wire to activate it. Later on I switch to an FSR sensor for more security.
Wiring Diagram:
FSR sensor
Next step was going over the rhino model file again and start constructing the tools I used are as follows.
- Laser Printer - Wood Glue
-Drill - Metal Epoxy
-Drive bits - Clamps
- 4-40 screws - Helix wrench
- Zip ties - Pocket Knife
Reflections:
As the first day of the winter show approached the instillation was suspended and working great, as guests came by most where very curious of the meaning behind the instillation and how to approach it. There was a huge difference between the hesitant adults approaching but not wanting to sit down and overly excited children that wanted to sit in and go for it again and again! I was defiantly caught by surprised how much kids loved and at times slightly disturbed given the origin of my inspiration, but on the positive note kids give the honest critic which was alot of " Cool!! this is so weird I want to go again".
When it came to the adults there where two different approaches 1) the eager to try 2) the observer, for the first category it starts with a " so what is this? what happens here?" and as I begin to explain they already stepped right in it's fair to mention at this point people were not delicate with the ropes and the sensor. As for the second category are the observers just passing by stare and walk away too afraid to try, I thought it would be interesting to step away and see how people will approach it without me being around most of the people will active it watching the spinning ropes and walk away without actually sitting inside.
The reactions was overall positive, which again surprising despite the sensor that took a lot of abused I ended up powering it myself for the users. Doing so got me to speak directly to people and get feedback of how it felt like a hug and a secure place to be and at times even soothing. I would conclude its the lighting that gives that sense of softness as well, changing the lighting angle and color would give a whole different look and sensation.
I wouldn't call it a failure, just many lessons learned. As the second day rolled in the instillation decided to call it quits and broke, right towards the end of the video. After alot of trials to get it back together it was a no go and all I can do is just to hang it there, it was a strange sense of failed accomplishment it became overwhelming that I had to walk away. As I came back, funny enough I got great advice on how to mount hanging motors and other tools I might need. The question remains, Would I do this again? probably not, in this way. Looking at it now I would have constructed this very differently to sustain the weight while rotating, but for now I think I'll stick to the ground.