System Overload

"System Overload" fits into the context of light and kinetic art by using light to create a dynamic, changing experience. The project uses light to tell a story, where the shifting light patterns move and evolve, affecting how the viewer perceives the piece. The combination of the laser and LEDs introduces motion, similar to kinetic art, where the artwork changes depending on the viewer’s perspective or over time. This transformation creates an immersive experience that reflects the flow of information and the balance between overloading and renewal in the digital age. 

I started by researching kinetic light sculptures and installations to get inspiration. From that research, I wanted to create something simple yet visually powerful. At first, I looked for materials to hold my LED strips but couldn't find anything I was satisfied with, so I decided to 3D print the frame. This allowed me to easily customize the design and create exactly what I had in mind. Since the frame was 3D printed it was light enough for me to easily hang it on the ceiling. At first I was unhappy with the size of the frame so I decided to add more length to the final product. I could have done a better job at calculating the size of my frame because I had empty spaces between the connecting rods and had to fill them in afterwards using black clay.

The final project consists of a 3D-printed frame with LED strips and a central laser hanging from the ceiling. The LEDs around the frame create a changing backdrop, while the laser adds another layer to the light composition. I've noticed the laser was too bright when reflecting off of the ground, so a piece of matte black tape was put directly on the dot to dim the brightness. To make the project more complete all of the electronics and wires were hidden above the project on top of a acrylic black board where they would be hidden from sight. For the best experience, the audience should view the piece from a distance, allowing them to see how the lights interact from different angles. 

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The audience understood the project and reacted as expected. What went well was the ability for the audience to stand around the project and experience it from different perspectives. The laser effect combined with the fog machine worked well, creating the desired atmosphere. One area for improvement was the setup process, as the project required climbing a ladder to turn it on, which could have been more convenient. Overall, the presentation went smoothly, but streamlining the power setup would make it more efficient and easier to manage during future presentations.

Looking back on the research, creation, and execution of "System Overload," I learned a lot about the importance of flexibility in design. Using 3D printing allowed me to adjust the frame easily, which helped bring my vision to life. The overall structure of the frame was successful, as it provided both stability and flexibility to support the LEDs and laser while maintaining the clean, minimalist aesthetic I aimed for. Researching kinetic light sculptures was helpful, but I realized that balancing simplicity with impact takes more thought, especially when working with light. One challenge was getting the laser and LEDs to work together seamlessly to tell the story, and while it mostly worked, I think there were moments where the effect could have been smoother.

The composition of light was definitely one of the most successful aspects of the project. The way the LEDs around the frame interacted with the central laser created a dynamic, shifting visual that effectively communicated the idea of overload and cleaning. The light's flow and rhythm, along with the addition of the fog, helped convey the narrative in a clear and impactful way. The audience engaged well with the piece, moving around it to experience the changes in light from different angles. However, the setup could have been improved, especially the power system, which was awkward to turn on. In the future, I would focus on making the setup easier to manage and experiment with more complex light effects to enhance the experience even more. Overall, this project taught me valuable lessons about design, technology, and the challenges of making an abstract concept come to life.