Introduction
Welcome to Codedelic. This will be an exploration of a selection of work from the past semester of a coding module called Computation in Design. Through the world of Codedelic, you will be able to understand what I have learned and this semester-long project focused on creative coding. We will dive deeper into this realm of coding and the ways we can push boundaries and make a difference by becoming more involved in the process by using coding creatively to make a difference, no matter how small.
I for one, have always been interested in interactive design which heavily depends on coding presently. My passion and anxiety intertwine and plays into this experimentation of new type of design, creative coding, which is an entirely new medium that I am opening myself up to.
Here, you will be able to see my first steps into this new realm and my aspiration to produce designs that one day is genuinely innovative and revolutionary, expanding the limits of what can be achieved in this industry. Explore my journey through Codedelic with me :)
Workshops
Creative coding is a powerful tool that combines art and technology to create interactive, dynamic and visually captivating pieces. This workshop will help integrate us into the world of creative coding, its potential to create compelling and personalized digital experiences in many industries, not just in computing but also in design and art! This excitement of unlocking my creative potential through a brand-new method of design will hopefully expand my coding skills. Over the semester I participated in 4 different workshops covering topics such as Creative Coding, Projection Mapping, Making, and Physical Computing. Here you will find some of the process documentation and deliverables that were created in small teams of up to 3 people or individually. Join me in the discovery of fresh new creative possibilities through creative coding this semester by reading on :)
Workshop one
Andreas Schlegel's workshop, "Coding," explores the creative implementation of coding in the design process. The workshop delves into the utilization of code and simple 2D and 3D graphics to generate a range of imagery that can be static, dynamic, or interactive. The workshop is divided into four briefs, namely Sound, Motion, Pattern, and Imaginary, all revolving around the theme of "Nature Encounters". In a group of three, we have decided to do the brief on Imaginary as it was something that really intrigued me personally. Learning Augmented Reality was a long-standing ambition of mine, and my team and I relished the challenge of exploring new territory.
Despite facing several challenges due to the unfamiliar software, we set out to capture the "Unseen Beauty" around us, with a focus on nature encounters. Specifically, we chose to highlight the fascinating world of fungi and spores, which are ubiquitous in our surroundings. Our goal was to create an immersive experience where users could be enveloped by the magical and mystical world of these tiny organisms, replacing the rigid and mundane aspects of reality with organic and abstract forms. This vision of showcasing the beauty of nature through the lens of augmented reality made the journey all the more rewarding.
Tools used: Laptops, Blender, Netlify
Link to external outcomes, Augmented Reality
Workshop two
CodeToThing is a workshop by Dhiya which focuses on the process of transforming code into a physical object. We were introduced to 3D space in code and were guided in generating 3D objects from a pre-existing code template. These 3D objects were then turned into templates through a 3D software and subsequently produced into physical objects through various crafting techniques. The overarching theme of the workshop is "Cosmic Dust," which encourages us to create polygons inspired by this theme. Cosmic dust, which can originate from micrometeorites, is a valuable tool for gaining a better understanding of our Earth and environment.
Utilizing the unique process of transforming code into physical objects, we are able to delve into a creative and innovative exploration of the intricacies and splendor of the universe. Following the first workshop, Coding, it was fortunate that I had opted for the brief that involved the use of Blender, which I was already familiar with. Moving from the digital realm to the physical making phase proved to be both challenging and rewarding. It was a welcome change to shift from staring at a computer screen to actively engaging in a hands-on experience. While I was eager to start creating, the process required extensive trial and error, familiarization with the tools, and some expert tips to achieve the desired outcome.
Tools used: Pen Knife, Washy Tape, Ruler, 250gsm Black Paper
Workshop three
In the Screens workshop led by Jo Ho, we explored projection mapping and its practical applications. Projection mapping is a technique that involves using projectors to cast light on specific areas of irregular surfaces. It is commonly employed for building facades, indoor objects, stages, landscapes, and more. The workshop revolved around the theme of "Other Worlds," including topics such as Outer Space, Data Space, Dream Scapes, and illusions. To guide our creative concepts, we were instructed to choose a format that could transport our audience to a world unlike our own. Through this approach, we were able to explore the limitless possibilities of projection mapping and the power of immersive experiences to transport audiences to entirely new and wondrous realms.
The available formats for our creative exploration in the workshop included Facade Projection, Set Design, and Art Installation. My teammate and I opted for a literal interpretation of the theme, envisioning an ideal other world like Utopia. To bring our vision to life, we utilized styrofoam cubes instead of folded paper shapes to construct an unusual building that conveyed the essence of our Utopian experience. We curated a series of visuals that traced a timeline, depicting the decay of the old world, the emergence of a new form or aura enveloping our utopia, and finally, the disintegration of our utopia. Crafting this storyline was incredibly enjoyable, but mapping out the projection was a significant challenge that required our focused attention.
Tools used: Projector, Styrofoam Cubes, p5js
Workshop four
The workshop named "Play" by Jake Tan Zi Jie focuses on the concept of physical computing, which serves as an interface between the physical and digital realms. Physical computing involves the utilization of tangible, microcontroller-based interactive systems that can sense and respond to their surroundings, manipulating outputs like motors, displays, and lights. This innovative technology has applications in various fields, from robotics and physical interfaces to the Internet of Things. By incorporating physical computing into our communication methods, we are exploring a unique and captivating approach to interacting with different mediums.
In this workshop, we explored the potential of Physical Computing to extend its application to other mediums, such as screen interactions using physical objects. Our team developed an idea called Tingle Tangle, which utilizes people's anxiety by incorporating their weight on platforms to trigger a continuous animation of visuals that respond to their conversation's sound. As a souvenir, each couple receives a personalized postcard that features their unique visuals, commemorating the experience. This interactive exhibit aims to provide a memorable and personalized dining experience for each couple.
Tools used: Pen knife, Cutting mat, Laptop, Arduino
Engage in the kind of work that you would proudly display to the world.
by Yours Truly :)
Conclusion
What have I learned over the course of this semester?
I have broadened my knowledge and foundational technical skills when it comes to creative coding. I have also learned to explore the intersection between Creative Coding and other fields such as art, design, and computing etc. I also gained hands-on experience with Creative Coding by creating and completing the Creative Coding Project.
Some of my most interesting findings this semester are?
It's fascinating to learn about the process of creating software and interactive experiences, such as designing an AR filter or building a website. This involves not only crafting the visual elements, but also importing them into code and optimizing the file size for efficient loading times. It's exciting to delve into the behind-the-scenes workings of creating innovative features for interactive museums and events through the use of projection mapping, computing with arduino and even blender.
What are some of my achievements?
Although my time management skills still have room for improvement, I consider it my biggest achievement for this semester. This progress has enabled me to produce work that is of better quality and I am proud of. While I acknowledge the technical aspects and successful outcomes of our projects, I'm particularly proud of the effort I invested in customizing this website. I aimed to create a portfolio website that I would be confident to showcase, and I feel that I've achieved this goal. This is to all of us for finishing this crazy semester.
