CONTACT ME
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Projects
JetBlue Ring Installation
messing with powerful rings, per usual
Digital Confetti
shake!
Indefinite Inventory
Lists of lists of lists...
Equipoise: Balance City
factories, sun, and making it rain
Face Builder 2.0
your face = mouse?
Movementic
musical motions
Swear Jar
making swearing fun, expensive
Science Center Identity
less talk, more particles
Flickr Hrp
wail on some tags
Pixels + Strings
internet relationships that aren't dangerous
A Data Driven Life
me + databases = 4ever
JD: Generative Process
make me a book
Gluespace.org
tough love for the great lakes region
Terrance Sullivan
local fashion, global style
Robotconscience v 2.0
copping the web since... well for a while
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Hello, I’m Brett. I’m an interaction designer from Detroit now living and working in New York. I’ve a shiny BFA from College for Creative Studies (Detroit). My main focus is currently on experimenting with ways people interact with digital environments. I attempt to design experiences in which people are gently nudged outside of their normal modes of experiencing technology, and as a result rediscover a sense of surprise, awe, and plain enjoyment of the digital world. I’d like for people to forget about their distrust and fears and see the brighter side of a more personal interaction with technology. I also enjoy listening to and making music, biking, and burritos. I work at the Rockwell LAB, which I enjoy very much.
type: installation, generative motion graphics
tech: Processing, Javascript Created at the Rockwell LAB. In close collaboration with Keetra Dean Dixon, I created particle animations in Processing for the JetBlue Ring. Using elements developed by Keetra, I wrote various flocking behaviors to determine the particles’ motion, and developed an algorithm to render 43 separate (and continuous) videos to encompass the entire ring. In addition, I developed After Effects scripts to allow us to output our hyper-wide compositions in separate, smaller videos. 
Located at the center of the Marketplace at JFK’s T5, the cable system and ring are visible from all three concourses, creating a dynamic focal point. The Lab at Rockwell Group has begun a multi-phase process to create a dynamic system for displaying content on the ring. The ring itself consists of stainless steel cables supporting an information yoke, an egg-shaped aluminum ring with 43 40” LED screens positioned in series to form a ring. This is documentation of the first phase of custom software the lab has developed for the ring. We are developing the ring both visually and technically.
type: interactive prototype
tech: arduino, DMX, openFrameworks, OSC, Luminodes I used openFrameworks, arduino, and DMX to connect to the LAB’s existing Luminodes to a full room lighting control device. We are using this as a way to control a variety of architectural lighting devices seamlessly. Extra cheesy musical accompaniment composed by me (sorry about that).
type: interactive application
tech: openframeworks, GLSL, openGL I’ve been working on a larger piece involving the audio sphere, but I figured I still had some shader experimenting to do first. This version ramps up the shader I wrote, amplifying color + 3D points according to audio input. It also plays back the audio input, which I inexplicably left out last time. Music is by me.
type: interactive installation
tech: openframeworks,arduino,OSC Created at Rockwell LAB. In collaboration with the rest of the LAB, I developed software for Rockwell Group’s “Digital Confetti” installation at the Metropolitan Home Magazine’s “Design 100″ party. The installation builds off traditional interactive party elements such as noisemakers, confetti, balloons, and fireworks, creating an entertaining centerpiece allowing both individual and group interaction. 
A twelve-foot diameter weather balloon floats above the pool at the Four Seasons restaurant. Projectors surrounding the balloon display “Digital Confetti”, small colorful shapes that mimic swimming fish in their movements. The graphic on the screen is also affected by special maracas around the pool. Shaking each of the eight maracas has a separate effect on the projected ecosystem. One stirs up the confetti, causing a firework-like spectacle of light, color and sound. The second brings text to the surface of the balloon. Continued shaking of these maracas causes letters to vibrate and eventually flip and transform into one of a sequence of words related to design. The words are projected as black, causing them to be illuminated by the background explosions of confetti, which encourages collaborative interaction. Each maraca also generates a different musical note, creating a harmony of sounds when all shaken together. The forms of brightly colored maracas are 3-D versions of the confetti. Featured on Core 77, Computerlove, PSFK, and various international sites whose Google translations will provide you with hours of joy. 
Credits Principal: David Rockwell Design Team: Tucker Viemeister, James Tichenor, Joshua Walton, Brett Renfer , Keetra Dixon, Thomas Haggerty More at Rockwell LAB: Digital Confetti 
type: interactive application
tech: openframeworks,PHP,openGL I’ve been experimenting with particle systems + type for a while, most recently at work at the Rockwell LAB. I decided to further this work for a piece for the student exhibition at CCS. However, I wanted to add a slight twist, as I realized that hardly any of the student work is interactive or participatory in any way. Thus, I decided to allow users to respond to my work via SMS via these particles. The video and following images depict various ideations, process, and play in the development of this system.    
type:
tech: An early prototype for a shape-based instrument. Images are loaded via a Google search. As the program cycles through each result, it detects blobs in the image via opencv and maps these blobs to notes. The threshold of detection increases each time the image is shown. In this video, the bpm is controlled via mouse.
type: interactive application
tech: openframeworks,openGL,GLSL
type: physical prototype
tech: arduino, processing, conductive thread
Featured on Make Online: Conductive thread organ  
type: interactive application
tech: openframeworks,openGL As part of ongoing R+D at the Rockwell Group LAB, I developed a method for mapping live video over vector field-controlled quads in openFrameworks. It’s pretty trippy.
type: interactive installation
tech: openFrameworks,openCV,OSC,IR lighting Developed as R+D at Rockwell LAB, this rear-projected touch interface is an exercise in large scale multitouch, OSC and openCV playing together, and shinyness.
type: interactive prototype
tech: openframeworks, OSC, Processing We’ve been experimenting a lot with different types of dynamic signage. For this prototype, I wanted to mimic the effect of a magic 8 ball. It was semi-successful, though I must admit that dynamically blurring + focusing text is far harder than it should be.
type: algorithmic print design
tech: Processing,openGL
The official Robot Conscience business cards are each a unique documentation of an ever-changing algorithm. This first set was created in Processing. The words “ROBOT CONSCIENCE” are rotated in 3D, scaled, tinted, and then blended together in a chance-based sequence. 
type: interactive installation
tech: openFrameworks,processing,openCV
This project began with a lengthy chance-based data gathering process. My initial system involved the creation of highly detailed inventories of various personal spaces and a subsequent more detailed textual and photographic inventory of one particular space, my bookshelf. Please see the PDF here for a more detailed breakdown of the initial methodologies. I began working with the concept of the destruction of meaning through hyper-analysis, deciding thus to further continue my inventory process algorithmically. I then wrote an algorithm in C++ that cycled through my inventory and related photos and broke down each image into an even more detailed list of colors. The algorithm analyzed each pixel in the image, sorted their colors by frequency of use, and then broke each color into separate RGB values, outputting a separate XML file for each. At this point, I had an incredible amount of data. I began to attempt to do something with this data. 
I attempted some experiments in Processing, but this proved impractical. I then began prototyping showing all of the data in a 3D space in openFrameworks. This, obviously, was even more impractical. I simplified my design approach, and developed an algorithm for creating a grid-based layout and a list system for the inventory. I continued this development, overall simplifying with each step. At the final iteration, I incorporated openCV blob detection to facilitate the interaction. After an initial installation mock up, I installed the piece along with a set of other chance-based projects in the U245 gallery in Detroit.   
type: interactive installation
tech: openFrameworks, openCV In the digital age, the process of breaking down information has become so fine tuned that it can completely remove any speck of subjective meaning from an object. INDEFINITE INVENTORY is the culmination of a lengthy process of physically inventorying my personal possessions, digitizing this inventory, and algorithmically analyzing this data. The final installation allows users to move through each step of the destruction of the significance and meaning of my personal objects as they are further dissected until all that remains are raw bytes of data.    
type: interactive installation
tech: openframeworks,ARToolkit Plus Children of the future will be forced to learn to be environmentally conscious at a very early age. Thus, toy and game developers will create tools such as Balance City that teach children the importance of taking care of the earth. This project specifically teaches children how crucial it is to maintain a balance of elements and human activity. If their small world is set off balance, the childrens’ poor city suffers a cruel fate! 
The installation uses physical objects with AR markers to manipulate an on screen three-dimensional space. Each object is assigned to a particular object, each of which has a specific effect on the environment. Any element if left active will begin to harm its surroundings; the only way to maintain a balanced space is to allow all the elements to exist in tandem. 
Shown at MOCAD (Detroit) at a show of Alyssa Mullen and I’s design. More here.  
type: interactive kiosk
tech: openframeworks opencv This project is an exploration of the use of one’s face as an input device. This iteration allows users to construct three dimensional digital sculptures using nothing but their faces. Users “grab” the building blocks with their faces, and then place them as they choose. Movement towards or away from the screen manipulates the object(s); similar motion to the left, right, up or down positions the elements.  
Shown at MOCAD (Detroit) at a show of Alyssa Mullen and I’s design. More here.  
type: interactive installation
tech: openframeworks,opencv Movementic is a part of my ongoing exploration of a future where live music is completely audience-generated. This particular installation/instrument allows users to play, loop, and alter a range of samples simply by moving in a designated area. Their position and shape determines the sample to be played and pitch modifications made during playback. Multiple users can interact, creating a dynamic visual accompaniment as well as a potential for a wide range of sonic output. Shown at MOCAD (Detroit) at a show of Alyssa Mullen and I’s design. More here.  
type: interactive installation
tech: openFrameworks,arduino,sphinx This installation capitalizes transforming a common action (swearing) into philanthropy. Voice recognition software listens for curses and creates a swear bubble for each one it recognizes. Users then must deposit money into the Swear Jar; once they do, the swears crumple up and drop to the floor. If they don’t, their swears remain and remind everyone what a potty mouth / cheapskate they are. CAUTION: video has a lot of swearing, as one might expect.
type: interactive / print hybrid
tech: AS 3.0, HTML, PHP
The challenge for this project was to address the Detroit Science Center’s changing focus, specifically the mission of re-brand the museum to attract an older audience and to dispel negative stereotypes representing science as “dorky”. To this end I created a system for a generative identity system for the Science Center. The main component of the system is the mark, which is a dynamic representation of the activity within the museum. View the Standards Guide I created here.  
The mark is divided into four different “flavors” of particles, each of which has a connection to a different area of science. I fleshed out this system into a standards manual for employees and volunteers, which contains guidelines and related identity collateral.    
type: interactive installation
tech: AS 3.0, PHP, Arduino, Flickr API This instrument allows for an intuitive way for users to “play” a set of tags derived from random Flickr users’ photos. It uses light and sound sensors mounted on a child’s harp to determine notes and volume from a user’s playing. On the software side, each Flickr account is assigned to a sensor on the harp, while loaded tags and images are given a vertical position related to the strings. 
type: interactive application
tech: AS 3.0,PHP,MySQL,Javascript,Flickr API,Google API
This app is an interactive exploration of the incongruous connections one comes across on an all-to-regular basis on the internet. Through Flickr and Google searches driven by simple user interactions, these “connections” are shown, and it becomes evident how quickly one’s intended meaning is corrupted in the digital realm. View the project here. For the full effect, turn your pop-up blocker off… But be warned: 
type: interactive installation
tech: openFrameworks Post-it graffiti is the first in a serious of in-office installations at the Rockwell Group. The installation sits in the hallway of the office, allowing passerbys to leave their mark on a seemingly empty wall with something all employees have (and love): post-its. Interaction is based on physically moving post its across the piece, which leaves a trail of “graffiti” that builds up over time.
type: interactive installation
tech: Processing, ReacTIVision This installation is part of a proposal for a dynamic after-hours “window shopping” experience. Shoppers would use pre-purchased merchandise to interact with a seemingly static projection on a storefront or similar space. Once they left, however, the installation would return to its static state, leaving other users to marvel at these “magic” products. Developed with Eric Ishii Eckhardt at Rockwell LAB.
type: installation (projection)
tech: flash,illustrator This project is a prototype for a potential installation meant to transform ordinary spaces into interactive vessels for an array of different types of content (text, image, video, and sound). The final installation would, on users passing by, algorithmically trace features in physical spaces, then orient interactive content to users, only to disappear within moments.
type: interactive application
tech: AS 3.0, HTML, PHP, MySQL, Flickr API, Twitter API
A Data Driven Life is a representation of a typical week in my life. For the week I documented, I created a form to upload text, image, and mp3s to a database, while posting to Twitter and Flickr from my cellphone. The final app is centered around an algorithm that compiles all of this information, sorts it by date, and regurgitates it to the user piece by piece. View in full here. This guy is a bit old, so do forgive its speed.
type: interactive application
tech: AS 3.0, PHP, Javascript, MySQL
This site is the result of a research project about American new media artist Joshua Davis. Through my research (which ended in a quite gigantic paper, the length of which I have never since come close to), it became clear that all of Mr. Davis’ algorithmic work was a documentation of a singular process. Thus, I decided to create a “book generator” application to present the research, creating the long-format piece with user-generated content, random variables, and pixel residue from user interaction. The real thrill for me in this project was creating a fairly intense random grid algorithm within Flash. I use the term “thrill” lightly, as always. View the project here
type: website
tech: HTML, PHP, MySQL, AJAX, JS, Google API, Flickr API, Wordpress, BBpress
A collaborative project in which Alyssa Mullen and I developed a dynamic, user-driven site for non-profit GLUE (Great Lakes Urban Exchange). The site is centered around GLUE’s content (blogs, podcasts, video) and user content (profiles, images), creating an integrated online representation of the GLUE community. Other features, such as the GLUE map, contextualize the content, and bring GLUE’s message of urban revival to the forefront. View the site at http://www.gluespace.org Featured on Design Ignites Change.
type: website / web application
tech: AS 3.0, PHP, MySQL, Javascript
Terrance Sullivan, a fashion designer based in MI, commissioned me to design and develop a site for his fashion label. I developed an XML-driven, modular back end, and a front end that adhered closely to his specific vision. Terrance can now easily update his campaigns, monitor his stock, and manage online sales through existing e-commerce companies. Visit the site http://www.terrancesullivan.com/
type: interactive prototype
tech: Peggy II, tons of solder + LEDs Over a good month of exclusively late afternoon soldering, I put together a Peggy II. The rest of the LAB team was in Venice, so I decided to say hello to them via my new friend.
type:
tech: AS 3.0, PHP, javascript, XML
Ah the joys of dynamic Flash. After creating what I though to be a ‘killer site’, I spent another year learning Flash and went, ‘ruh roh.’ So I took some time off, dove head first into AS 3.0, and made this guy. Still somewhat fond of it, though it’s semi-typical of my ‘let Flash do the design’ approach of that time. View the site here. |
Experiments
Luminode to Light Control
room/light/explosion!
Audio Reactive Sphere v2.0
It's a face, I swear
SMS to Particles
Love for txt messaging + particle systems =
Shape Chords Prototype
noisy words, birds, blobs
Audio Reactive Sphere
face waves
Buttons as Buttons I
fabric organ
Quad Video Warping
melting faces, literally
Large Scale Touch
inappropriate title
Dynamic OSC to Blur Text
signage fortunes
Business Cards: Set 1
RC means business
Indefinite Inventory
process
Post-it graffiti
interactive office supplies = the future
Umbrella Shopping
Rihanna's new favorite installation
Tracing Lines
there's a cook in my cabinet
Peggy Test
inspired copywriting
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Blog
I’m not Stephen Varady
Though apparently neither is Stephen Varady. Steve is a good friend of mine from “way back”, as they say. His blog serves to document his exploits and work (Steve is an architect), while serving up a healthy dose of things he simply finds interesting. imnotstephenvarady.com 
Europe Endless
I’ve just returned from a trip to Copenhagen and Paris. It was my first time in Europe and it was, as expected, pretty wonderful.   
A Crimson Grail
We attended the performance of Rhys Chatham’s A Crimson Grail for 200 guitars this weekend. It was superb, to say the very least. Sadly, my camera has been having issues with its autofocus, so the only image I took worth showing is this: 
Here’s a video someone shot of their rehearsal beforehand (allegedly somewhere at FIT).
Sprawl
Endless Endless Endless show
My band, Endless Endless Endless, had our first show this past Sunday. Check out one of the songs: Grab albums, photos, and (soon) order our cassettes here: www.endlessendlessendless.com/
RB to You
Rachael Beresh, a friend and former classmate, makes a pretty diverse array of different things. Her work includes apparel, patterning, traditional graphic design, and the occasional shoe. Check it out at www.rbtoyou.com 
Highline Visit
I finally visited the Highline this weekend. It was pretty sweet, though I’ve heard the positivity of one’s reaction is directly proportionate to the amount of people that show up. It was sparse enough when we got there, I think. |
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August 5th, 2009 at 7:57 am
“the occasional shoe” – ha, it’s true.