Waves (proceed)
Improvement
In response to the limitations mentioned in Unit 1, I improved and presented the user experience process of the “Waves” project in Unit 2.
In previous practice, I connected the MacBook directly to the speaker units of the installation. This method could only control three audio channels at the same time, leaving one channel idle. Therefore, I introduced an audio interface device that supports four-channel output (picture 1). It allows me to directly control different channels, facilitating subsequent audio adjustments. Picture 2 shows how I used the software Loopback to connect audio signals from different software to four virtual channels.
Picture 1: Audio Interface Device
Picture 2: Audio Channels
I iteratively designed the interaction logic between the installation and the audience. I used the audio programming software MAX to produce audio for the four virtual channels mentioned above and re-output it to the physical channels of the audio interface device, which were then played by the speaker units in the installation. I introduced the use of the "gate" function (picture 3). When the signal received by the microphone used by the user reaches a certain threshold, the other channels will be activated, while at other times, all audio channels are in a silent state. This means that the installation will only play the mixed sounds and present visual effects when the user speaks into the microphone. Video 1 shows the testing process. Additionally, I noticed that users tend to pause occasionally while speaking. Each pause is accompanied by the silence of all audio channels. This rapid start-stop state could cause confusion during the actual user experience. Therefore, I added a one-second delay to the audio programming for the audio state change. This means that brief pauses in the user's speech will not alter the audio playback state, ensuring continuous sound and visual feedback from the installation.
Picture 3: “Gate” Function in MAX.
Video 1: Audio Test
Regarding the potential safety issues of liquid materials raised in Unit 1, I experimented with the possibility of using sand as a visual presentation medium. However, due to the higher density of sand, its weight is greater than that of water for the same volume, and the speaker could not agitate the sand. Without changing the structure of the fabric container in the installation, the interactive effect was not ideal. Video 2 shows the testing process.
Video 2: Sand as the Material of Visualisation
Millbank Show
At the Millbank show, since PAT testing was not conducted, the artwork was only displayed in appearance and structure, without obtaining actual user feedback in interaction. Pictures 3 & 4 show the artwork in the exhibition.
Picture 4: Installation at the Millbank Show
Picture 5: Installation at the Millbank Show
Interaction
Example Video
In this video, I demonstrated the interaction process with the installation.
Waves, Roy Jianing Cheng (2024), Interactive Installation.
Metal, Fabric, Colored Water, 3D Printings, Microphone, Speaker, Computer.
Metal, Fabric, Colored Water, 3D Printings, Microphone, Speaker, Computer.