Rebirth

Zhiyi Lai

Kinsley Jin

Chuanjie Zhu

Xiaoran Liu

My Roles:

interaction concept

particle animation

visual design iteration

Interactive Projection Installation

Multi-Arts Pavilion (MAP mima) Lake Macquarie

2024

Rebirth is an interactive projection installation created for The Cube, a digital exhibition space at Lake Macquarie Multi-Arts Pavilion Mima.
Inspired by the region's fossilized wood history, the installation invites users to experience the transformation of time—symbolized through ashes and fossil lines—via body motion and color-based interaction.

How might we design a culturally groundedinteractive projection installation that resonates with both the local community and international tourists？

Video Showcase

Design Process

Understand & Define (Discover + Define)

We applied the Double Diamond framework, beginning with an analysis of the brief to identify the client’s goal of promoting local culture to both residents and tourists.

Research & Insights

Researched the area's history and culture through desk study and on-site visit.

The local community has a strong heritage of wood shipping and pine fossil remains.

Local Residents used these fossils as fans or decoration.

Concept Development

Based on our research, we developed a core concept and held brainstorming sessions to explore themes and interactive approaches.

Design & Prototyping

We defined the project's visual direction and used p5.js to create a video-based interactive prototype showcasing our concept.

Design Process

Understand & Define (Discover + Define)

We applied the Double Diamond framework, beginning with an analysis of the brief to identify the client’s goal of promoting local culture to both residents and tourists.

Research & Insights

Researched the area's history and culture through desk study and on-site visit.

The local community has a strong heritage of wood shipping and pine fossil remains.

Local Residents used these fossils as fans or decoration.

Concept Development

Based on our research, we developed a core concept and held brainstorming sessions to explore themes and interactive approaches.

Design & Prototyping

We defined the project's visual direction and used p5.js to create a video-based interactive prototype showcasing our concept.

Design Process

How It Interacts

Interaction Method

IMMERSE

Standing in front of the first screen, the audience sees their silhouettes slowly fade into ashes, representing the passage of time.

Transform

Ashes fade into fossil patterns, metaphorically representing the transformation of wood into fossils.

CUSTOMIZE

As the ashes turn into abstract pine tree fossil lines, users use designated brushes to color them, simulating different interpretations of fossil use.

COLLABORATE

In collaborate mode, waving multiple brushes triggers extra animations that simulate archaeological activity. Colors indicate different fossil uses.

Story Board

Single User Interaction

User Flow

How It Interacts

Interaction Method

IMMERSE

Standing in front of the first screen, the audience sees their silhouettes slowly fade into ashes, representing the passage of time.

Transform

Ashes fade into fossil patterns, metaphorically representing the transformation of wood into fossils.

CUSTOMIZE

As the ashes turn into abstract pine tree fossil lines, users use designated brushes to color them, simulating different interpretations of fossil use.

COLLABORATE

In collaborate mode, waving multiple brushes triggers extra animations that simulate archaeological activity. Colors indicate different fossil uses.

Story Board

Single User Interaction

User Flow

How It Interacts

User Testing & Iteration

Usability Tests

Used shining brushes to make them more noticeable
Introduced sensory elements to help better understand fossil patterns

Engagement Tests

Coloring process successfully engages visitors
Allow for color customization by replacing brush handles

In-depth Interviews

Added more animation effects that activate when multiple people join
Provided a concept poster at the entrance

User Testing Data

Iteration Process

User Testing & Iteration

Usability Tests

Used shining brushes to make them more noticeable
Introduced sensory elements to help better understand fossil patterns

Engagement Tests

Coloring process successfully engages visitors
Allow for color customization by replacing brush handles

In-depth Interviews

Added more animation effects that activate when multiple people join
Provided a concept poster at the entrance

User Testing Data

Iteration Process

User Testing & Iteration

Design Impact

Long-term Impact

Rebirth creates a lasting emotional connection to Lake Macquarie’s heritage, fostering preservation awareness and contributing to the cultural vitality of Speers Point Park.

User Engagement

Rebirth blends personal expression and collective discovery, using interactive silhouettes and flowing visuals to foster emotional connection and shared exploration.

Feasibility

Using affordable tools like Kinect, gyroscopes, and wireless microcontrollers, Rebirth delivers real-time motion-driven interaction in Unity, making the experience both immersive and cost-effective.

Cultural and Historical Value

Rebirth visualizes local fossil heritage through interactive color and motion, inspiring deeper appreciation and preservation of Lake Macquarie’s natural and cultural legacy.

Usability

The interaction is designed to be intuitive, efficient, and flexible—allowing users to join, switch actions, or exit at any time with minimal effort or error.

Design Impact

Long-term Impact

Rebirth creates a lasting emotional connection to Lake Macquarie’s heritage, fostering preservation awareness and contributing to the cultural vitality of Speers Point Park.

User Engagement

Rebirth blends personal expression and collective discovery, using interactive silhouettes and flowing visuals to foster emotional connection and shared exploration.

Feasibility

Using affordable tools like Kinect, gyroscopes, and wireless microcontrollers, Rebirth delivers real-time motion-driven interaction in Unity, making the experience both immersive and cost-effective.

Cultural and Historical Value

Rebirth visualizes local fossil heritage through interactive color and motion, inspiring deeper appreciation and preservation of Lake Macquarie’s natural and cultural legacy.

Usability

The interaction is designed to be intuitive, efficient, and flexible—allowing users to join, switch actions, or exit at any time with minimal effort or error.