Hey there Visitors! I am Jade Min ๐ฉ๐ปโ๐พ and I am a student in Lasalle, a Designer and also a Coder ๐ฉโ๐ป (And multi-talented and everything-in-between ๐คญ) While the coding world is often associated with stereotypical images of solitary 'nerds', numbers and all that ? ? ? I am here to tell you: Excluding nerds and numbers part - Creative coding, to me, is still all about ? ? ? ๐ค but it's fun๐ฅณ , it's cool๐, and not so scary and daunting! ๐ฅ Buckle Up and grab a snack cause you're in it for a ridee. ๐ฟ Not really, actually. I'm just tasked to showcase all we've done throughout this semester - Creative Coding, Physical Computing, Making, and Projection Mapping, split into 4 different workshops. ๐๐ป Each project presents its triumphs ๐, challenges ๐ง, and most importantly allowed me to have a paradigm shift about coding, so I'm satisfied about it, really. ๐๐ป
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. Creative Coding challenges you to make creative application through code. Projection Mapping teaches you how to use projectors to create immersive and interactive installations. Making teaches you how to translate code into something tangible and interactive. Lastly, Physical Computing exposes you to devices like Arduino that respond to physical inputs. Althogether, these 4 workshops covered a wide range of topics related to technology, art and design. Each workshop provided a unique perspective and set of skills that complemented the others, allowing us to gain a comprehensive understanding of the possibilities and limitations of creative technology.
Coding is a workshop by Andreas Schlegel that explores the intersection of coding and design, specifically creative application of code in design process. In this workshop, we were tasked to work on the theme of Nature Encounters. We had 4 briefs - (1) Sound, (2) Motion, (3) Pattern and (4) Imagery. I was paired up with Qisthina and we decided to work on the first brief.
Have you ever wondered what sound looks like? ๐ค Well, we did. And we found out that with the power of code, we can actually visualize sounds in stunning and creative ways. ๐คฏ Our team, comprising Qisthina and myself, ventured into the natural environment to record various soundscapes. ๐ Qisthina went out at night to capture the sounds of an area, while I explored the sounds of a beach during the day. We then analyzed these recordings and transformed them into visually stunning code. A common theme emerged in the sounds we collected - the sound of a river. ๐ Taking inspiration from this, we decided to create a mesmerizing ripple effect as our main visual. We played around with different elements such as color, scale, texture, and patterns to create five different styles. But let's be honest, this was no easy feat. The process of bringing the ripple effect to life was quite challenging.๐ต๐ปโโ๏ธ However, we overcame these challenges by experimenting with different numbers in the code template and using the trusty blendMode() to tie everything together. And the result? A whole package of creativity - one mesmerizing ripple effect and five unique styles that will leave you in awe. ๐
Making is a workshop by Dhiya that delves into the world of transforming code into something tangible. During this workshop, we had to explore the intriguing concept of cosmic dusts - which are particles found in space. Code-to-thing challenged us to utilise p5.js to create shapes, which we then convert into printable templates using 3D software such as Blender. The Making workshop provided a unique hands-on experience which taught us how to create physical objects from code and ultimately understand the relationship between digital and physical mediums.
In this workshop, we were given a chance to make our cosmic dusts come to life through crafting them into something physical. The creative process was carefully curated, involving the selection of appropriate paper weight and colours that best complemented the concept we had. Inspired by the IC 1318 - also known as the Sadr Nebula, I emphasised on Birth and Creation as the cosmic dust symbolised the start of something new and exciting. With paper as the canvas and a pen knife as the brush, we were taught the art of intricate paper cutting and scoring. Each slice and score came together like a symphony, creating a delicate and precise craft that fully embodied the essence of our chosen cosmic dust shape.
Tools used: 35-degree Precision Blade, A3 Cutting Mat, 30cm Metal Ruler. Material used: 220gsm A3 Black Paper, Double-sided Tape
Screens, a projection mapping workshop with Jo Ho. Through making shapes, we are able to gain an understanding of how to project and map images onto surfaces of various shapes and sizes, including non-rectangular surfaces. This workshop offers a unique opportunity to explore creative possibilities of projection mapping, expanding our skills and pushing our creative boundaries.
Our team, consisting of Chon, Mindy, Shaine, and myself, embarked on a creative journey to produce visual shapes inspired by the magical dreamscape of Studio Ghibli's film "Princess Mononoke."๐๐ปโโ๏ธ๐ณ The movie showcases an intricate balance of natural and human elements, highlighting the purity and beauty of wildlife without the interference of urbanization. ๐ฒ Our visuals incorporated three core concepts, namely Peace๐, Chaos๐ฅ, and Growth๐ชด, which were represented through a color palette of green, red, and pastel hues. The final outcome of our workshop was a short conceptual theme that seamlessly weaved together nature and modernity.๐ค
Play is a workshop by Jake Tan. It is aimed at exploring the potential of simple input and output mechanisms that uses the Arduino. As designers increasingly extend their traditional products into the digital and virtual spaces, it is essential to explore how design can be applied to physical applications that can be interacted with to create tangible experiences.
My team, consisting of Shaine and myself, conceptualised 'Happy Feet' which derived from the thought: "What if visuals can be projected on the ground as we walk or dance?" ๐๐ป๐บ We then took a step further and designed the sole of the shoe using styrofoam, which we can attached the light sensitivity stimulus into the styrofoam and connected to the Arduino. ๐๐ป We then created visuals which was inspired by Psychedelia, featuring randomised colours to evoke a playful, imaginative and trippy visual experience. ๐ฎ The final product was an interactive shoe that merges fashion, and technology into a unique sensory experience for the wearer. ๐๐๐ป
Sometimes you gotta close a door to open a window.
by Tyler The Creator
What have I learned over the course of this semester? Throughout this semester, I've had the incredible opportunity to expand my knowledge and gain valuable hard and soft skills from the various workshops I've attended. The hands-on approach of the workshops allowed me to further understand the world of coding and design, and hone my abilities in these areas. Not only have I gained practical experience, but the lessons and techniques I've learned have also prepared me for my future endeavors, making me confident in my abilities to tackle any challenges that come my way.
Some of my most interesting findings this semester are? Throughout the semester, I had the opportunity to explore the intersection of design and technology, and discovered that the Arduino was the most interesting aspect for me. I was fascinated by the simplicity of the device, yet the endless possibilities of generating interactive outcomes. The discovery of the Arduino truly sparked my interest in the module and solidified my passion for exploring the possibilities of technology in design.
What are some of my achievements? Throughout these workshops, my biggest achievement was to be able to experiment with new concepts and techniques that I have never explored before. I am proud of the innovative projects I have created, such as the interactive shoe named Happy Feet, and the cosmic dust sculpture that I learnt how to cut and score properly. What made me more proud is the fact that I was able to challenge myself to step out of my comfort zone, push simple ideas forward, and present them in a visually appealing manner, even when it required the use of codes.