An immersive interactive experience that uses ceiling projection mapping to transport the user to the bottom of a coral reef where they can interact with the sea creatures using their body movements. Premiered at Imagine RIT 2022.
MODE Fest 2023 Interactive/Experiential Finalist
CATEGORY
Experience Design, Motion Design, 3D
PROGRAMS
Cinema 4D, Figma, After Effects
THE GOAL
Make people smile.
THE SOLUTION
Given the stress of the COVID pandemic, we aimed to create a world for our visitors to escape to and smile at. Our exhibit featured a relaxing interactive environment via a coral reef that gave visitors a break from the crowds through evoking a sense of wonder.
Visitors were able to view the interactive projection controlled by a ‘glow ball’ that was utilized to track their movement. The ball opened up ‘portals’ on the ceiling to reveal a bustling coral reef. Different animals would then come out to play based on the ball’s movement.
THE EXHIBIT
A number of different elements were needed to bring our interactive coral reef to life. A projector on the ground displayed the portal on the ceiling, while cameras on adjacent walls were used to track the position of the user’s ‘glow balls.’
When approaching designated spots with a ‘glow ball,’ users opened the portal by raising the ball up to the ceiling. They could then interact with the scene by moving the ball around. Bubbles were used as a kind of cursor to show where in the scene the ball was pointing to, while moving the ball would trigger an interaction animation, such giving the fish a piece of food.
3D MODELS
Based on our goals and demographic, we decided on a low-poly 3D style for our coral reef so that our fish looked friendly and playful. We created a balanced list of aquatic creatures native to reefs including sharks, colorful fish and coral.
The animals were modeled and animated in Cinema 4D, primarily using joints and deformers. All animations were created on a loop for the ease of the developers, and interactive creatures had up to three different animations to use in different scenarios.
In addition, I created a background for our ocean scene - the surface of the sea - to imitate a source of light. Using a landscape object with low polygons and displacement, I created a gentle ocean ripple on a loop to play behind our sea creatures.
VISUAL DESIGN & MARKETING
Based on our goals and demographic, we decided on a low-poly 3D style for our coral reef so that our fish looked friendly and playful. We created a balanced list of aquatic creatures native to reefs including sharks, colorful fish and coral.
To advertise our exhibition, various materials such as posters, stickers, and social media graphics were created to expand our reach in the Rochester area.
The challenge was to entice our audience without giving too much away about the project - we still wanted the element of surprise. Our poster set the tone for the rest of our marketing materials, with only a hint at the portal and a sneak peek at some of our reef creatures. Utilizing social media, we were able to build excitement with behind-the-scenes updates, sneak-peeks, and a 10 day countdown to our event.
Our marketing strategy was spearheaded by Michelle Passe, one of our designers. Check out her marketing plan here.
THE TEAM
Our team was made up of 5 designers and 3 developers, with a holacratic approach. Each member of our team was able to work on what they felt they were strongest in. With weekly sprints to check in progress, each team member was able to input their ideas and critiques on all aspects of the project.
As well as assisting with other parts of the project, I was the lead on modeling and animating our fish friends and the scene around them.
IMAGINE RIT
At Imagine RIT, the inside of our room needed to be dark to see the projection, thus omitting the need for decorum. Instead, our decoration efforts were put into the entrance of our space, as to draw in visitors.
An informational video on the sea creatures in our coral reef played on a loop by the entrance. We also gave out stickers of some of our cutest sea creatures, enticing users to see more inside.
FUTURE APPLICATIONS
We hope that Coral Canopy can extend past our exhibit at Imagine RIT, and continue to provide escape and delight for users in other scenarios. We believe that Coral Canopy could calm in high stress environments such as airports and hospitals, or be used as an educational tool in classrooms and museums.
