#Instalive

Summary

#Instalive is an experiential marketing prototype that brings together amateur robotics, photography, and lighting through the Internet of Things.  For this experience, stage lights, cardboard cutouts, Arduinos and Philips Hues extend a traditional photo booth concept into a spatial art installation.

My responsibilities

I focused on the User Experience for this project. This meant directing what would happen when a user clicked on a filter, the layout and volume of the space, and the emotions we wanted our users to feel.

I also worked on the physical computing aspect, which in turn connected to the web application which was developed by Abhishek.

We collaborated on building the physical components for the installation.

Skills

Internet of Things, Lighting Design, Physical Computing, Photography, Spatial Media, User Experience Design.

Tools

Arduino, Phillips Hue Lightbulbs, the Internet, an Ipad, and Lighting Equipment.

Project Details

Problem

Prototyping is quick and iterative. It encourages exploratory design where ideation is both purposeful, and disposable. With #Instalive, we focused on rapid ideation and creative applications of existing technologies. Fabricated from inexpensive off the shelf components, we invented, and performed an experience that brought excitement to an audience of participators and onlookers.  

Solution

A cardboard cutout hangs from the ceiling in the center of the room. Behind it sits a podium with an iPad embedded front and center displaying a number of emotions on the screen. Laser cut instructions on the podium guide the user. Across from the photo booth sits a cell phone on a stand. Attached to the cell phone is a tiny robotic arm composed of an Arduino, and a foam pointer.  Surrounding the installation are lights fitted with Phillips Hues. A party goer stands behind the podium ready to interact with a system akin to a Rube Goldberg Machine. While standing behind the podium, the user selects an emotion on the iPad triggering a number of interactions through the internet. The ambient lights in the room change colors, the robot arm across the room swings to press the photo button on the cell phone, and the cell phone takes a photo of the user behind the booth now basked in colorful lights. Because it’s wireless, a traditional photobooth turns into a spatial experience for many to enjoy.

Collaborators

Supervisors: Tom Igoe.
Collaborators: Abhishek Singh.