Interaction Design
Participants interact with the environment through proximity and tapping. By using active interactions (direct participant choices) and passive interactions (optional elements) I was able to add depth and authenticity to the "world". Subtle ambient animations and sounds (like the breathing lungs) also contribute to the sense of place.
Sound Design
Audio is an incredibly important interactive element. Since I'm a musician, I felt quite lucky that Aero added audio functionality right before my final project was due. I created the composition using a combination of field recordings, piano, and my voice. The foundation for the entire piece is a field record of an actual hospital lobby (Courtesy of Tim Kahn.) The main percussive element is a heart rate monitor. I played the piano and sang the choral elements. When you tap the lungs, they play a recording of me breathing. The candles have a proximity sensor that plays individual choral tones, creating a "candle choir".
