Overview
This project explored the design and creation of an interactive spatial experience that blended physical and digital environments. Working collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team, we moved through ideation and mood boarding to establish the creative direction, researched and prototyped emerging tools, and conducted beta testing through custom code and hardware experimentation. The experience was brought to life through spatial mockups, 3D modeling, laser-cut fabrication, and the integration of motion sensors, projection mapping, and generative visuals and sound. The final installation was fabricated, installed, and tested in the Blackbox Theater in Boulder, and ultimately presented as a public, immersive exhibition.
Background
Our team came together around a shared vision to create an interactive art installation inspired by immersive, experiential environments such as Meow Wolf. During our initial Zoom meetings throughout the COVID-19 lockdown, we connected over the social challenges of the pandemic and the widespread feelings of isolation and disconnection. These shared experiences inspired the project’s central theme of social isolation and loneliness, with the goal of fostering reflection, empathy, and human connection through design. During this phase, we conducted feasibility testing, developed an implementation plan, and created a structured timeline to guide the project from initial concept through execution.
