Latest Updates:

6/11-13/24

The ICAM Senior Showcase for spring 2024 was presented at Adam D. Kamil Gallery, Mandeville Center, UC San Diego during June 11 to 13, 2024. My project, along with my fellow colleagues projects, were presented in this showcase. The project worked better than intended and many participants were able to interact with the installation. The projector was prompted up on top of a wall and was able to project a 10x10 ft screen. A wireless keyboard was able to connect to the setup on a 4ft stand. Many of the wish submissions were saved in a screenshot and I was able to compile them here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1AV2vU6bvDaPap5d6MJyppNq-mz-bCQlD?usp=sharing  

ICAM Senior Showcase Spring 2024 Website: https://sites.google.com/ucsd.edu/kamilgallery

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. 

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.   

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.

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.

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.