"The Wishing Tree"
Project by Nicolo Matudio
for Vis 160 A & B
What is it?
"The Wishing Tree" is an interactive digital art installation by Nicolo Matudio that invites participants to express and write out their “wishes” to the Wishing Tree which will then be presented on an ever-growing tree and will be a part of the exhibition. The project will utilize a keyboard and a projector and will be presented on the UC San Diego campus. Each wish entered by each participant will be planted and contribute to growing a dynamic, vibrant, and transformative virtual tree. The more wishes received, the more the virtual tree will grow, and the more wishes will be presented. After a certain amount of wishes, The old tree will fade away and make room for a new tree to grow and for new wishes to be presented. Inspired by wish tree traditions around the world, the project fosters a sense of community and connection, and the collective aspirations of the participants within the university community.
Inspirations
My initial idea was about environmental change with a makey makey and a projector. Depending on the user's actions, the environment on the projector would change. I wanted to narrow it down into a simpler concept but still keep it interactive and transformative. I was inspired by a wish tree at my local boba shop where customers are able to write their wishes on a piece of paper and hang it on a tree for everyone to see. These "Wish Trees" are a cultural symbol and tradition from around the world where individuals attach their wishes to a wishing tree and create a collective sense of aspiration and connection. I wanted to do a similar idea and create a virtual rendition of a wish tree and present it on the UCSD campus.
Latest Updates:
6/5/24
I implemented a screenshot feature, per my peers critiques, in that at the end of the 50th submission before it resets, takes a screenshot and saves it in the computers files. imn planning on presenting these screenshots on others days or maybe use them as reference. the current sketch screenshots and resets on the 10th for demonstration purposes. i also added a chime sound effect whenever someone enters a wish.
Timeline
5/22/24
with the help of my professor I was able to implement different font colors for each wish submission, randomized to generate light colors (i think). I also changed the leaf colors to different shades of green just like a real tree. I also changed the prompt to write their wish in the text box below to be more specific.
I started my project with p5.js and a starter code from "openprocessing" by Vamoss in which every click on the mouse drops a seed that grows a branch and reveals an image. I wanted to modify the code so that when I type something on the keyboard it would make the tree grow into something nice and vibrant. In my initial progress, I was able to create a prompt that asks the user to write their wish to the wishing tree, and with each letter typed grows a branch of a tree and sprouts colorful leaves. I needed to implement how a participant would enter a sentence for a wish branch instead of each letter. and how to display the wish sentence on the tree.
4/23/24
I was finally able to implement the text entered on the tree. I switched to a text box so people can see what they type and also be able to modify what they wrote before they enter their wishes. The wishes entered will be placed randomly around the upper half of the screen where the leaves would grow. The prompt to "write your wish to the wishing tree" will also be displayed at all times. I also wanted to implement a "reset" mechanic so that whenever a certain amount of wishes are entered, the tree will fade or disappear and a new tree could grow. for demonstration purposes the wish limit is 10.
5/01/24
The most important feature i needed to implement according to feedback was censorship. Since it is a program where you can write anything and let it be displayed it was important to limit possible malicious content users may input. and so i was able to create a massive array list of words i needed to censor and replace them with *** whenever it pops up.
I was also able to change some of the colors and fonts of the text to set a theme. I also replaced the rainbow color of the leaves into an image. This is to encourage users to submit more wishes in order to find out what the image is. it also sets the idea and theme of the project. for now it is an image of a cat i found online. I also spread out where the trees would grow.
Tech rider
Diagram of planned layout
Description of set up: A projector and a keyboard/Laptop will be on a standing table length pillar a few feet away from a blank wall or a projector screen just enough to project a a life sized tree.
Lighting requirements: dimly lit room to cast a clear projection
Amount of space needed: a large square space using a wall atleast around 6ft 10 x 10 ft 3 x 3 m
Sound issues: sound will be play through a small speaker just loud enough for ambient music
Equipment: small projector, projector stand, laptop/keyboard, small speaker, extension cord
Equipment i plan to check out: plinth or table length stand.
Notes: an outlet for the extension cord to power the projector and the laptop.
Questions?
Contact nmatudio@ucsd.edu to get more information on the project