Thermal energy / heat is transferred from one location to another by particles bouncing into each other. All matter contains energy. The more energy that is present, the hotter the object will be. With this project I wanted to explore how to extend this process. Where you can be present but distant at the same time / be close to someone without being physically present. This project illustrates physical presence through a heat reactive model. When the sculpture lights up you know that someone is present.
This project builds on the previous body heat experiment and the bilocation - laser cutter experiment. With this experiment the user receives feedback on their actions which results in a more satisfying interaction. They can see the sensor analysing the footage and also see the model light up through a live web camera setup. This project is also more passive in the sense that you don't need to approach the sensor that directly. Just passing by is enough to make the model light up.
In hindsight i wish that i tried to explore the way i presented the feedback a little more. E.g. maybe it would be better to have another projection with the sensor data and the web camera rather than keeping it on a small screen. This way it could be more immersive and I would have more space to play around with.
Another way to do this project would be to have two models in separate locations, where your current presence is added on top of the distant presence. E.g. other people's presence is represented with white light while your local presence is represented by another color. That way your presence can be overlapped at the same time. That way it really gives more of a sense of being "together" in the same location. An alternative way for interactive telecommunication.
With this type of project, I think i should spend the next few weeks deciding on what type of visuals i should use e.g. projection mapping on model / physical computing, sound etc. as well as if it should be two identical models / objects or one big object and one portable etc.
