project04:PROTOTYPE

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Refletego logo 01.jpg
Refletego logo 02.jpg
Refletego logo 03.jpg
Refletego logo 02.jpg



Contents

WHAT?

The structure consists of a suspended origami pattern mirror-surface. It hovers and maneuvers above and as a reply to user behavior. The structure folds, flips and expands to create dynamic compositions of the real world objects by alternating angles of reflection. The user interacts with the structure as a piece of the puzzle whilst recomposing the total image.

Geometry

The starting point is a triangle with angles of 30/60/90 degrees,which is then divided into sections of different sizes. The choise of this base triangle allows for an indefinite repetition to form patterns of different scales of triangles, whilst the further division of this into different size sections allows for a visual randomness and improves the flow of movement.

As with the kaleidoscope this base triangle is then radially mirrored into a hexagon.This hexagon is then copied a number of times, after which a section is selected. The rectangular selection with long and short edges allows for a cocooning behavior and though being very geometrical and thus allowing for overall control, the optical asymmetry of the pattern creates a dynamic and organic expression.

In this pattern control points are placed in several aligned knots in the grid. In the choice of points an optimum is aimed to reach the best movement with a minimum of control points. 20 points were then assigned for the placement of sensoring and actuation.

Construction

- Mirror foil is applied to thin mdf triangles. - In these triangles foam is stuck for sturdiness. - In the MDF triangles hinges are integrated as well as connection points for suspension and spacing for sensors. - This assembly is then suspended by ropes from the designated knots from a three-piece wooden frame that holds the servo moters and other electronics.

Behaviour

Instead of the installation’s reflections only becoming an extension of the user, it is intended that the reflections in their turn become an individual entity of their own. Although they are in essence a direct result of the condition of an object in the physical world ( here i.e. user), they break away from being a passive consequence, as their constellation will also cause effect on the behavior of the user. Here a mutual dialog will emerge between origin and reflection.

On the course of relation between the physical and virtual world, represented by the user and the Reflectego, the myth of Narcissus and Echo is projected. In this myth both personas are doomed: Narcissus to fall in love with his unreachable reflection, and Echo to be unable to speak independently but can only repeat what is said to her. The parallel in interaction is drawn by the fact that Narcissus' and the user's behaviour is motivated by the search of one's own mirror image, when that of Echo and the Reflectego are driven by distance. In this scenario a complex dance arises in which a conversation between object and user needs to be established, whilst the the communication of both is actuated by different senses.

Prototype & Behaviour

Reflectego final7.jpg Mirror foil is applied to thin mdf triangles. - In these triangles foam is stuck for sturdiness. - In the MDF triangles hinges are integrated as well as connection points for suspension and spacing for sensors. - This assembly is then suspended by ropes from the designated knots from a three-piece wooden frame that holds the servo moters and other electronics. Reflectego final6.jpg In this pattern control points are placed in several aligned knots in the grid. In the choice of points an optimum is aimed to reach the best movement with a minimum of control points. 20 points were then assigned for the placement of sensoring and actuation. Reflectego final10.jpg Reflectego final11.jpg Instead of the installation’s reflections only becoming an extension of the user, it is intended that the reflections in their turn become an individual entity of their own. Although they are in essence a direct result of the condition of an object in the physical world ( here i.e. user), they break away from being a passive consequence, as their constellation will also cause effect on the behavior of the user. Here a mutual dialog will emerge between origin and reflection.

Actuation Problem & Possible Solution

Reflectego final13.jpg During the design process several compromises regarding the physical prototype had to be made. Firstly, we chose to use actuation wheels with a large diameter to increase the speed of movement. During testing, however, this proved to create too much torque for the servomotors, several of which eventually broke. Another compromise we had to made was regarding the base material for the reflective surface. The xps foam that would have been light did not provide the smooth surface, thus the reflection was not satisfactory. We decided to add 2mm MDF plates to the xps foam. This provided the perfect reflection that we wanted, but also added extra weight to the system. Reflectego final14.jpg Because of the above-mentioned problems, we had to make several last-minute changes to the project. The numbers of actuation points was reduced from 21 to 10, working on the sides. The center of the mirror surface is now fixed, suspended from the frame. Reflectego final15.jpg A possible solution would be using stepper motors instead of the servo motors we are currently using.

Reflectego

Prototype photo01.JPGPrototype photo02.JPGPrototype photo03.JPGPrototype photo04.JPGPrototype photo05.JPGPrototype photo06.JPGPrototype photo07.JPGPrototype photo08.JPGPrototype photo09.JPG