bachelor of design computing & master of interaction design and ...

BACHELOR OF DESIGN COMPUTING
& MASTER OF INTERACTION
DESIGN AND ELECTRONIC ARTS
GRADUATE CATALOGUE
DESIGN LAB, FACULTY OF ARCHITECTURE,
DESIGN AND PLANNING
UNIVERSITY OF SYDNEY

© 2011 The Faculty of Architecture, Design and Planning at the University
of Sydney. The individual works belong to their respective owners and are
published with their approval. No responsibility is accepted by the book’s
creators, printer or the Faculty for any infringements of copyright relating
to the work within this publication. Every attempt has been made to ensure
that the works are original and that the correct designer is attributed to each
design. No part of this book is to be reproduced without the written consent
of the Faculty and the student to whom the work belongs.
CRICOS Provider No. 00026A | Cover image © WebDirections 2011

Contents
Introduction
By Associate Professor Andy Dong, Head of Design Lab 5
Structuring Play
DeCo & M.IDEA 6
On Design Computing
The Undergraduates 8
Self-Directed Play
With Honours 34
M.IDEA: The Age of Interaction Design & Electronic Art
The Masters 38

The Moment
Interaction design is about the moment.
The moment your body becomes in contact
with a device.
The moment the device responds to your
presence.
The moment an interface is produced between
you and the device.
Such are the moments of attract, relate and
sustain.
In an interconnected world, this becomes the
role of the designer, to articulate and construct
moments of encounter.
Sometimes you feel the moment of encounter.
Sometimes you hear the moment of encounter.
Sometimes you are the moment of encounter.
Sometimes you only bear witness to moments
of interactions between machines.
The designer is always there, though, shaping
the moment of encounter, even if the framing
of the encounter is only implied or suggested.
5
It is commonly held that experience of a moment
is the provenance of the user, whether the user
is the reader of a literary work or the audience
at a play or, here, the user of an interactive
system. Reader-response theory, from the
literary arts, theorizes that meaning inheres
not in the text but in the reader or the reading
community. The range of actual experiences that
we can experience in any moment seems too
multifarious to be designed a priori. This makes
it important for designers to consider what it is
about moments of encounter that can be made
available and perceptible to us.
The projects described in this end-of-year
catalogue introduce a range of moments of
encounter. At times, you will need to implicate
yourself in the moment, as you are the trigger.
At times, you may deliberately and voluntarily
step back and allow the moment to just happen.
There are no instructions for how to become
part of the moment of interaction. The designers
have created framings, but who is under
apparent control of the moment is up to you
to decide.
Let yourself be attracted, related and sustained.
Andy Dong
Head of the Design Lab

Structuring Play | DeCo & M.IDEA
Bachelor of Design Computing
B Design Computing (UAC course code: 511102)
Known to our students as ‘DeCo’, after the prefix
for the units of study we oer, the Bachelor of
Design Computing is a three-year undergraduate
degree in design with electronic media.
Our students go on to become art directors,
creative directors, producers, and developers at
interaction design firms, advertising, marketing
and public relations agencies, animation houses,
and IT consulting companies. If you have
watched a movie on an inflight entertainment
system, played a video game associated with
a Hollywood movie, or recorded a movie
with FOXTEL Remote Record, you’ve already
used interactive multimedia and applications
imagined, designed and developed by one of
our graduates.
This course pushes you to develop your own
design concepts, and then progress these ideas
into working systems that are functional and
a pleasure to use. We emphasise the design
of interactive systems that excite, enrich user
experiences, and are technically robust. We
teach using a studio model, meaning you work
intensively with your lecturers, tutors, and peers
to produce new design works. Our flexible
program includes Australia’s widest choice of
units in design related disciplines, as well as IT,
marketing and commerce, arts and sciences.
This exhibition catalogue shows some of our
recent graduates’ design work, and for more
examples, see sydney.edu.au/architecture/
design_lab.
In addition to working with the latest software
for design including the Adobe Creative Suite,
3D Studio Max, Final Cut Pro, and Max/MSP,
we teach a variety of programming languages
including HTML5, Javascript, Java, PHP,
and Objective C. Our students deploy their
interactive multimedia and applications on
various hardware platforms including iPhone,
iPad, Android-based mobile phones, multi-touch
tables, and Arduino microelectronics boards.
We invite you to engage with design in a
contemporary and forward thinking way in
the Bachelor of Design Computing course.
Our course lets you explore your passion
for design along with the fundamentals of
computing and electronic media. Our industry
advisers tell us that they need people who
can develop technologies and understand the
relevance and appropriateness of design, and
this is what we prepare you to do. For students
who do not meet the ATAR entry score cut-o,
we oer a Flexible Entry Scheme for admission
with a portfolio. For further information about
admissions and the degree program, please visit
our Web site:
sydney.edu.au/architecture/programs_of_study/
undergraduate/design_computing/index.shtml
6

Master of Interaction Design
and Electronic Art
The MIDEA (pronounced “emm-idea”) program
started with a rather simple premise: provide
students an opportunity to produce creative
and innovative interactive multimedia and
applications using high-end electronic media not
yet normally found in industry. In other words,
prepare our graduates to become the future of
this industry, not what it is currently doing.
If you have never heard of mobile augmented
reality, reacTIVision, Arduino, Fritzing, or
SmartSlab, then this catalogue shows you some
of what you’re missing out on. See in particular
the MIDEA student works for their Installation
Studio and Device Studio.
The MIDEA degree is for students who demand
to be challenged by the integration of the
newest computing technologies and creative
design thinking, and who are ready for a
cutting-edge future in interaction design and
electronic arts. Most of our students come
from a first degree in industrial design, visual
communication, digital media, IT, and the arts.
They all share an interest in how humans behave
and will interact with computers, and how art,
technology and culture have merged in inspiring
forms of media and interactive systems.
The course is both technically demanding and
intellectually challenging, where the creative and
aesthetic ambitions of design drive technology
without the loss of rigour in any aspect.
7
The course teaches four distinct studios, with
each emphasizing the design and technological
challenges associated with dierent aspects
of interaction design and electronic arts:
Virtual Studio – computer-mediated reality
and virtuality
Screen Studio – time-based and tangible media
Installation Studio – experimental, responsive
environments for performance and direct
engagement
Devices – smart artefacts and everyday objects.
Already, our students have gone on to exciting
careers in this industry including interaction
design firms, game design companies, and
product design firms, or they have made lateral
moves within their existing jobs. During the
degree, many have taken on internships
with companies including Spinifex and
Amnesia Razorfish.
The course duration is 1.5 years full-time study.
Although the course is available part-time,
full-time study is timetabled to run for half of
Thursday and all day Friday each week to enable
students to make suitable arrangements with
their employers (and to be fresh enough to be
creative!). For further information on the course
and admissions, please see:
sydney.edu.au/architecture/programs_of_study/
postgraduate/IDEA.shtml.

On Design
Computing
The Undergraduates
8

Ben Alcantara
Studying design allows you to be creative and
learn how to communicate visual, audio and
tactile media eectively.
I am completing a major in digital design.
Digital Design Studio: Stop motion LEGO, Final Cut Pro.
9
Throughout the course I’ve been able to
work as an individual and in groups to create
websites, videos, a touch app and other assorted
programming projects. Design Computing is
an interesting field to be studying especially
now that touch technology is becoming more
commonplace.

Benjamin Cha
In this course I have learnt that design is not
simply about letting your imagination run wild.
You have to try and create something that
not only looks good and is impressive but
also manages to communicate clearly what
it achieves.
You will learn that when you are designing for
a client, what you had pictured as the perfect
solution may not turn out to be so. You must
understand the client’s needs or realise that the
problem requires you to approach the job in a
completely dierent way.
Be prepared to have your ideas shot down due
to something as finicky as a misplaced button,
but never give up; always be open to criticism
so that you may improve.
Throughout the course I have had the
opportunity to experience exciting and
challenging projects such as creating a social
network plug-in for web browsers, multi-touch
table applications, 3D modelling, 2D animation
as well as Life Drawing.
Information Visualisation Design Studio: Infographic of USA UFO Sightings, Processing.
10

Nick D’Souza
This degree removes you from your comfort
zone.
This may not sound appealing for some, but
for my peers and I, regardless of our tears,
would always rise to the challenge.
11
Some very fond memories were made here,
which I will always treasure; and the invaluable
skills and work ethic that I have developed here
are sure to help me in the future.
3D-Modelling: An Illustration,
Maya.

Nadine DentEn
To me, design is the ability to look at a problem
and imagine a solution that doesn’t yet exist. It
is the ability to combine thoughts, feelings and
inspirations into something outstanding.
I believe that, as designers, we not only have the
opportunity to change and capture the world
around us; we have the opportunity to code,
assemble, and animate our way into the future.
Design Computing is exactly that, with the help
of technology. This degree has allowed me to
extend my design skills beyond the traditional
screen working with technologies such as
iPhone, Android, touch table interfaces and
Arduino-based robotics.
Independent Study Elective: InterANTARCTICA, Multi-screen installation.
Additionally throughout this degree I gained
experience in fields such as 3D modelling,
animation, film photography, web design and
video filming, editing and post-production.
I was also chosen as one of three students
in my year invited to participate in the work
interANTARCTICA exhibited in Canberra and
Sydney in 2009.
Looking to the future I hope to pursue a career
that will allow me to broaden my design skills
and have a lasting impact on society.
12

Adriano Di Palma
Our group from Design Computing shared
similar traits in relation to procrastinating and
leaving assignments to the last milliseconds.
Despite many long and stressful nights in Room
313, we were all able to learn a great deal and
grow closer as a group. Good luck to everyone
in whatever path you choose. Go kill it!
13
Interaction Design Studio:
GroupShare, Mozilla
AddOn.

James Dumesny
I’ll always look back on my time studying
Design Computing as one of the most fun and
interesting times in my life.
Any knowledge I have gained during my time
in Design Computing should be credited to the
group of highly skilled and experienced lecturers
who taught us. The broad range of themes and
directions covered during these three years
have made it an ideal place to be. My interests
were focused on the theory behind information
visualisation and interaction design.
Practically, I was able to gain skills in a number
of programming languages and design
environments. I also benefitted from our position
within the Faculty of Architecture, Design
and Planning and the access we had to their
art workshop electives. However, the most
significant lesson I believe I have learned was
how to work as a group with the talented and
interesting people studying alongside me.
Information Visualisation Studio: Ambiguous, Processing and Multi-Touch Table.
14

Mark Fonacier
This is what design means to me: making a
positive eect in the environment around me
through creativity and finding that perfect
balance between function and form.
Design Computing has been an eye-opening
experience in which I was not only able to learn
about design but also experience it. Web design
and development has always been my interest
and DeCo taught me many skills that I can use in
this ever-evolving field. I have learnt that great
design can come from almost anywhere and the
possibilities are endless.
15
This is what inspires me and what makes me
excited to be a part of the design process.
Throughout the three years at DeCo, I have
made projects including two-dimensional and
three-dimensional works, animation, and video.
My aspiration is to have a career in web design
and development, and I believe DeCo has given
me the tools and skills to help me achieve that.
Design Programming:
Four-Sided Invasion,
Processing.

Renato Gaylican
“I can rage all I want, but in the end, I’m going to finish my challenges to the very end.”
Information Visualisation Studio: The Internet World Explorer, Processing
Real Time Multimedia: Music Visualisation, Processing.
16

Selhan Haksoz
The Design Computing degree is not just a
degree about design; it opens a window to a
whole new way of viewing the world.
Throughout my degree, I learned the principles
of design and this allowed me to demonstrate
my skills more eectively and discover my
creativity in many areas. I really enjoyed the
course structure as a whole since every subject
is directly related to the next new subject.
This enables you to demonstrate your freshly
learned skills in a dierent area.
Independent Study Elective: InterANTARCTICA, Multi-screen installation.
17
I want to thank you all my lecturers, tutors
and classmates with a special thanks to Dr.
Martin Tomitsch, Dr. onacloV, Dr. Rob Saunders,
Neil McCann, Melinda Wimborne, and James
Dumesny. I also have unforgettable memories
with my classmates, which allows us to make
strong relationships with each other.

Eva Hung
Thinking outside the box, 2011
Creativity is endless and has no bounds.
Throughout the three years of this degree,
I had the chance to experience creativity at
its prime through designs and friendships.
These friendships encouraged our creativity
and design made our three years of minimal
sleep worth the time we spent at Uni. We have
been able to design and share an unforgettable
experience.
Being able to challenge the briefs given to us
from our amazing lecturers and trying to outdo
what has been created the year before was a
challenge we all accepted and survived.
We have experienced life outside of the box;
experienced events and people.
Information Visualisation Studio: Broken Data,
Mixed Media.
18

Arthur Jing
3D Modeling is the subject that sparked my
interest in the 3D industry and hopefully in the
near future I will be able to work in a blockbuster
movie as a 3D model maker and animator.
I’ve really enjoyed the creative side of the entire
course in these 3 years. My favourite subject
would definitely be 3D Modeling because at the
end everyone got to make something they like
and had a sense of achievement.
19
My projects consist of randomly generated
programmed graphic images, 3D modeling,
short film, real-time motion-tracking fluid and
particle system, and TUIO multi-touch game.
3D Modelling:
Robot-Shinkiro, Maya.

Stella Kim
“Design is all about creativity. Creative design
comes from our creative mind.”
What is CREATIVITY? In my opinion, it can be
divided into three categories: ability, attitude
and process.
Creativity is the ability to view, imagine and
invent something novel in dierent ways,
creativity is the ability to adopt alteration,
change and newness and a willingness to play
with ideas and possibilities. Creative people
always need to work hard, keep aware of current
trends and continually contribute their eort
to improve their ideas and solutions, through
making gradual alterations and refinements
to their works.
I have studied for the past three years about
“CREATIVITY” with my beloved DECO coworkers
at the University of Sydney. In this environment,
I worked with several dierent team members
to design and create multiple interactive
projects, such as multi-touch information
visualisation and a web browser add-on.
Through the projects, I have realized the
value of communication in translating a
client’s ideas into visual and virtual products.
It is important to produce visual solutions that
“inform, inspire and impress.”
Interaction Design Studio: Lexicon,
Mozilla Browser AddOn.
20

Harry Mann
For me design is essentially about the ability to
empathise.
A designed object becomes a host to interaction
and as designers we guide this experience in
such a way that it is intuitive and exciting.
I have learned that in designing I am always
creating a narrative and this directs the very
purposeful selection and placement of elements,
leading to a design outcome that is aesthetically
beautiful and eective. Today anything that can
be made digital, will be, and through the fusion
of design and computing technologies we are
ultimately changing the ways we communicate,
interact and collaborate. This is something I’m
very excited to be a part of.
Design Computing has given me the knowledge
and understanding to design and the technical
ability to bring my ideas to fruition. During my
degree I have worked with Mozilla Labs in
creating a cross-cultural social communication
tool, created an interactive game, a virtual space
for collaboration, and I’ve also traveled to South
Korea on exchange, where I was able to work
with Hyundai in creating gesture based user
interfaces for future cars.
21
Real-Time Multimedia: Temporal Luminescence,
Processing.

Rory McPherson
The Bachelor of Design Computing has taught
me how to innovate and think outside the box
within a design environment.
While being trained to plan, follow and
accomplish a strict production schedule,
I have learnt key skills within programming,
sound design, Flash animation and other
visual mediums.
Interaction Design Studio: SmartWheel, Javascript.
We have experimented with dierent kinds of
user-interaction and explored the many dierent
aspects of collaboration and teamwork design
can bring.
With my interest in animation, film and visual
design, I feel that Design Computing has put me
on the proper path to achieving my dream job.
22

Laura Minchella
I am truly inspired by the way that design aects
our everyday life, where beautiful, eortless design
is created from something that is intuitive to
interact with, easy to learn, and a pleasure to use.
One of the most important things I have
learnt throughout my years studying Design
Computing is that design is more than just
having a good idea. It is about bringing everyone
into your project: watching the problem in
action, analysing what designers are doing,
testing, listening, revisiting, and sooner or later
you find yourself building beautiful things with
purpose, bringing small scribbles into reality.
23
Design Computing to me is more than just
a degree; it is a community of like-minded
designers who are passionate about design,
actively creative and so willing to help. It is a
real community, and I have been truly inspired
by the creative people around me.
The collaboration between technology and
design is expanding and I love how the web is
shifting to accommodate for mobile devices
and designed to be more initiative to its users.
I would love to get on board creating mobile
web applications and online campaigns for
all businesses and projects, great and small.
Information Visualisation Studio: Fisher Library’s Research Catalogue, Folded Paper.

Catherine Park
Design is something we cannot avoid.
It’s everywhere.
It evolves to suit the user, their needs, and
context in use. Design Computing helped me to
use more than just my imagination, to not only
design to fit the purpose, but to design beyond
that by speculating and conceptualizing.
Colours of my words, 2011.
Design Programming: Snow, Processing.
24

Roxanne Phan
Design Computing is about the way we interact
with forms and functions. We design the way
it would appear to the users and make it more
intuitive to use, so aesthetics would play an
important part in the production.
I believe that it is crucial that interaction design
be taken into account when creating something
for use by others; to make time spent with it
enjoyable and hassle-free. Over this course I
have learnt to pay attention to the details;
that it is worthwhile to explore areas that are
in your own interest and to build upon things
happening around you.
3D Modelling: Steam Punk Sculpture, Maya.
25
Working with graphics has been most enjoyable
for me and I endeavour to bring out quirkiness
in my designs to pique interest. Projects that
I have worked on over the years include film,
2D animations, 3D modelling, a multi-touch
application involving information visualisations
on gambling data, printmaking, life-drawings,
ceramics, web design and programming
applications for games.

Kathy Qiu
I am a current DeCo [Design Computing]
student in the final countdown of the semester.
During these three years I have been introduced
to a broad spectrum of the extensive possibilities
in the field of Design and Computing and am
especially glad to be involved in the studio
activities in this course
An Illustration, 2011.
I intended to target my study on graphic design
when I entered Uni and originally thought that
DeCo is just the right degree to take.
It has allowed me to explore my understanding
of art and technology in this digital age as well
as opportunities in the field.
I have had a great experience in this course.
26

Toby Reid
The constructive narrative of technology
over time has produced many physical and
behavioural legacies within an extremely broad
timeframe. Products and devices created for
practical use can be developed in a relatively
short amount of time when compared to
our overall technological understanding and
behaviours, which have developed organically
over the last century.
My work considers the application of the
Internet’s capabilities to aect and progress
environments. Once a method or system has been
developed it can have additional applications; this
is true for technology and design.
27
I believe my field of study and learning
experiences have encompassed both elements;
long, enduring analysis and quick, real-time
project development. I have worked in an English
prep school, an eco store and a stadium bar.
I have done work experience with a marine
engineer, and I’ve managed a fair bit of
gaming too. I have developed a design thought
process throughout this, learning how and
why things are done in professional and casual
environments and then using this understanding
to improve or simply acknowledge objects and
systems.
Human-Computer
Experience Studio:
Lightwriting,
Arduino.

Betinho Soares
I believe design is about the freedom of creative
expression. It is something that I am inspired by
because it gives me the opportunity to create,
but also to manipulate the aesthetics in my
designs as well as explore dierent realms in
terms of their intended functions and the forms
they become.
Design is everywhere. We are immersed in
design everyday. It’s what has drawn us to the
cars that we drive around, to the e-commerce
websites that we use to do our shopping online.
I believe that design is what drives whole
business cultures in ensuring that their
business environments are easier to navigate.
The beautiful thing about design that I have
learnt is that there is no singular approach and
that it is ever-changing and constantly evolving
process which in turns allows for fresh and
innovative ways of going about design. This is
what makes design exciting, and it’s the reason
why I have immersed myself so much in design.
Some of the projects that I did in this course
consist of 3D Modeling, such as my Bath
Sink, as well as Interaction Design Studio, in
which my project partner and I designed an
Internet browser application prototype called
FaceGROUPS. The issue during the prototype
was privacy; we wanted to allow users control
over which people can get to view certain
content generated by them on Facebook.
The aim of the FaceGROUPS prototype was,
“…to streamline the grouping process so users
are more in control over the information that
they publish”.
3D Model: Bath Sink, Maya.
28

Alan Tran
My dream is to make special eects for movies.
I am a very relaxed person when it comes to
work, but always pull my weight regarding
teamwork. I find theory challenging, so use my
creativity to make up for it. My inspirations and
ideals come from tutorials; I learn and expand
from what I am taught rather than produce
what I am told.
3D Modelling: Bionicle, Maya.
29

Hanley Weng
Design. Ecient. Eective. Elegant.
Real-Time Multimedia: Kinect Conducts, Microsoft Kinect, Processing, OpenGL.
Internship: Kiosk for Visitor
Exploration, Multi-touch table
and C++.
30

Connie Yan
Design allows my creativity to flow. I receive a
strong sense of achievement from doing what
I’m expert in. My belief is: work hard, play harder!
I am a third year Design Computing
undergraduate, with an Australian-Chinese
background, and I’m passionate about all
facets of design.
31
I’m seeking a career in the field of design to
make better use of my degree and experience
whilst benefitting the client. I’m adaptive to
dierent roles; be it designer, photographer,
program coder, software technician, or
decision-maker.
Interaction Design
Studio: SharePad,
HTML and Javascript.

Adrian Yoong
The core subjects of Design Computing opened
my eyes. I understand that this field is not just
about the technical programming, but also
about considering the user and design
elements that make an application, object
or visual simply “work”.
This fueled my interest in the field of user-centric
design and made me aware of how much of it
aected our lives. Unfortunately, that’s all theory,
so it’s hard to “show”. Nevertheless, I believe
Design Computing has revealed to me the world
of visual design and user-centric design.
Human-Computer
Experience Design
Studio, Location-based
iPhone Game, HTML
and Javascript.
32

Danielle Yu
I wish to bring passion and excitement to
the world.
Design Computing is bringing design and
technology together and creating a new
channel to present, communicate and
interact with the users.
In Design Computing we learn from visual
design, web design to user experience design.
Through these opportunities we gained insight
into a new generation of technology within the
design industry.
In addition, we developed high communication
level skills as well as creative thinking.
I particularly enjoyed the graphic design of all
the projects we’ve done as I value aesthetics
and believe that visuals are what grab a
users attention and is also the best way
to communicate.
33
Interaction Design Studio: SmartWheel,
HTML and Javascript.

Self-
Directed
Play
With Honours
34

Tamara Chahine
What the bus, 2011
Mobile application
This project explores ways of improving the
experience of public transport in Sydney
through commuter-led eorts. Sharing and
visualising data about the performance of
transport services can potentially aid designers,
researchers or government bodies in deigning
more informed transport solutions that adapt to
the way services are actually used by commuters
in Sydney.
‘What the bus’ (www.wtbus.net) is a mobile
application designed to allow commuters to
share information about the performance of
their buses in Sydney. The application allows
users to easily contribute information about the
location, lateness and fullness of their buses
while they wait.
35
This information is then combined with
existing timetable information and fed back to
commuters in a number of dierent ways: first,
by enabling users to view real-time reports
about their buses; and second, in the form of
various data visualisations.
The project also explores what the aggregation
and visualisation of this crowd-sourced data
can reveal about buses in Sydney, but also
commuter’s own travel habits. For every bus
route in Sydney, the application creates a ‘profile’
of performance, which can help commuters
make more informed travel decisions. As well as
this, the application allows users to reflect on a
history of their personal travel habits.
Honours: What the bus,
HTML5 and Sencha Touch.

Emma Chee
Enrolling in Design Computing has opened
up many opportunities for me in terms of
academics and work experience. I have been
lucky enough to embark on an International
Exchange, and been given the opportunity
to further my interest in research through an
Honours year. It was through this degree that
I was able to develop an interest in wearable
technology, interactive systems, user interface,
and interaction design.
I greatly appreciated the ability to design my
own degree of study from such broad range
of classes, from biological sciences to general
drawing to interactive installations. Even though
not every class was my favourite, *cough* sound
design *cough* I can still see the clear benefits
of everything we have studied.
In hindsight I am also able to reflect on how
on the pulse this degree is attuned to the
latest emerging technologies and techniques. I
remember back in first year having to theorise a
design for an application for this new phone that
had not even arrived into the Australian market.
It was a strange device with a touch screen, who
would have thought that was possible? Why
was I being asked to develop an application
for something that did not even exist? Well, it
turns out that phone was an iPhone, and only
two short years later I would have the skills
to develop, design and implement a working
application for it.
Honours: Curious
Whispers 2.0, Arduino.
36

Oliver Dawson
Eective design is preceded by a genuine
consideration of a range of perspectives.
Completing a project as part of Design
Computing is the result of a thought process
that is both analytical and creative.
Honours: Augmentid, Microsoft Kinect and Processing.
37
My recent Honours work has focused on
augmenting built environments through
projection to enhance the control of its
inhabitants over the space. It is the
culmination of an arduous, but rewarding,
cycle of programming, visual design and
interaction design.

M.IDEA:
THE AGE OF
INTERACTION
DESIGN &
ELECTRONIC ART
The masters
38

George
Bachrach
I am an IT consultant gone haywire.
I am now exploring the interactions between
modern technology, visual art & electronic art
forms working with time-based media.
I grew up in Sweden and moved to Sydney in
order to pursue a Masters in Interaction Design
and Electronics Arts at University of Sydney.
Below is a selection of my projects.
MotiBin
My research (2011.idea9202.net/archives/988)
identified a user group with high motivation in
regard to recycling but who still struggle to act
pro-environmental due to practical constraints
such as lack of time, lack of money and lack
of information. MotiBin aims to help these
users increase their recycling by addressing
such constraints, primarily allowing its users to
understand how their individual recycling action
is making a dierence.
Motibin – vimeo.com/31559184
WWE – The Rock Scissors Paper Game
WWE – The Rock Scissors Paper Game was
created on the open hardware platform Arduino
as part of the MIDEA program at University of
Sydney. The device is inspired by the WWE
wrestling scene where one could imagine the
wrestlers in the locker rooms before the match
settling who’s going to win through a game
of Rock Scissors Paper. This device features
Mario, Domo kun and Batman as “wrestlers”.
Two players go head-to-head by selecting one
wrestler each and placing them in the “arena”.
Music Rick Derringer - Real American
WWE – vimeo.com/29300830
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eco defenders – By Mikey Ford, David Montero
& George Bachrach . Urban Playgrounds |
Grid Gallery | Sydney – the grid gallery is a
media-based public art space, it consists of
a 15x1 metre large-scale display serving as a
engaging street-front located in central Sydney.
Design brief: Transform the space into an urban
playground engaging passers-by into playful
moments of interaction.
Music: failotron – Tristan
eco defenders – vimeo.com/25181390
Device Studio: WWE – Rock, Paper, Scissors,
Arduino.
Installation Studio: Eco-Defenders, SmartSlab
and Processing.

Susanne Chan, Johnny Campos &
Adityo Pratomo
Skin, 2011
“If space junk is the human debris that litters
the universe, Junkspace is the residue mankind
leaves on the planet.” – Architect, Rem Koohlaas
The concept was to expand the Grid Gallery to
encompass the space underneath the Western
Distributor. Instead of simply promoting media
screen art/screen interaction, there was a need
to provide a space that enabled various artistic
genres to be showcased. The expanded gallery
space would unify the unnoticed screens of
the Grid Galley and the ugliness of the Western
Distributor, hence turning the corner of Erskine
and Sussex Street into an artistic destination.
The decision to re-use and re-purpose plastic
bags was to show how we neglect to consider
the environmental impact of plastic bags –
according to Clean Up Australia, there are 3.76
billion plastic bags in landfills. By populating the
plastic bags around the areas of the screen and
highway brings attention to the neglected space.
The plastic bags are metaphors for the neglected
space in our minds – something we just don’t
consider, as it doesn’t impact us directly.
Our group Fy. is an art and design collaborative
trio comprising of Susanne Chan (Artist), Adityo
Pratomo (Programmer), and Johnny Campos
(Visualisation/Sound Editing).
Installation Studio: Prototype Sketch for what
became Skin, 2011.
Installation Studio: Skin, SmartSlab and Processing.
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Kevin Chan,
Bella Du &
Jazz Trinos
Making Space, 2011
Interactive Installation
The Making Space universe is concerned with
the cosmos as a reflection of our society and
collective human pursuits. Gravity of individual
atoms each exerts influence on the solar system,
as a part of something bigger. In human society,
strangers come together in pursuit of common
goals. Collective actions ultimately manifests into
advances in the society we live in now. As stars
on a starry night, daily actions of single human
beings are important pieces to a functional
society as a whole. Each singularity is in relation
to others as a part of something bigger.
Using motion detection, the viewer uses
her presence to engage the universe
while collectively creating it with others.
Each presence in front of the installation
draws the universe closer and creates a new
star in the cosmic scene, progressively filling the
void. The universe draws close when the viewer
is detected, creating an engaging experience,
while appearing distant and vulnerable when the
viewer is far and outside detection. The star that
each individual leaves on the cosmic scene are
just like our everyday actions that causes small
changes on society as a whole. Ultimately, on
the screen, each individual influence builds into
a powerful scene for others to appreciate.
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Installation Studio: Making Space, SmartSlab
and Processing.

Stephanie
Fynn, Heather
McKinnon &
Jane Sivieng
A Flâneur’s Trace, 2011
Interactive installation
Installation Studio: A Flâneur’s Trace, SmartSlab
and Processing.
We wished to create a curious manifestation
that would spark the interest of the pedestrian
waiting on the street corner.
The individual, who, a short time ago was
waiting on the street in a monotonous state,
becomes a Flâneur – a wanderer of the street
who establishes a temporary relationship
with what he or she sees; engaging in an
unplanned journey through a landscape,
where they encounter an entirely new and
authentic experience.
This is reflected via a projection that appears
at the foot of the pedestrian. It projects an
evocative ‘path’, using vivid imagery that leads
them to the screen where their silhouette is
reflected back at them. We sought to reward
their curiosity by creating an experience that
will immerse them for a period of time.
Once they arrive at the screen, the passerby
immediately catches sight of their silhouette
reflecting back at them. As they stand
motionless for a short period of time,
colour and movement begin to emerge
out of their silhouette.
The amount of colour they generate is
proportional to the amount of time they stand
in front of the screen. They are creating a piece
of art that becomes part of the space.
As they move away from the screen, their
silhouette and their generated colour remains
on the screen as a remnant of their experience.
This is left on the screen for others to see.
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Phillip Gough,
Adityo Pratomo
& Ge Wu (Goldy)
Reefs on the Edge, 2011
Designed by Artist onacloV in collaboration
with Marine Biologist Erika Woolsey and
Sound Artist Michael Bates.
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Phillip Gough, Adityo Pratomo and Ge Wu
created installation components for their
MIDEA research projects. Presenting the
science of global climate change is a challenge,
particularly with the prevalence of climate
denialism. Creative methods of communicating
environmental science, such as visualisations, are
needed to engage and inform the public. Art and
science collaborations are therefore essential for
climate change education.
One such concept is Reefs on the Edge,
an experimental hybrid between art and
science that fuses marine biology, environmental
science and multiple art forms to explore coral
reef habitats and ecosystems threatened by the
eects of climate change. There is an urgent
need to increase awareness of global climate
change through innovative new partnerships.
Education about climate change can be
improved through science and art collaborations.
Reefs on the Edge has a strong educational
focus, and aims to enable education about the
GBR and the eects of climate change. It aims
to foster important partnerships in science and
art by having exhibitions in Berlin at WerkStad,
and in San Francisco at the Exploratorium;
a science museum that encourages learning
and discovery.
Project Director and Concept Designer:
Dr. onacloV
Three-Channel Video Installation:
Ge Wu (Goldy)
Data Visualisation: Philllip Gough
Tangible User Interface: Adityo Pratomo
Marine Biologist: Erika Woolsey
Sound Artist: Michael Bates

Luke Hespanhol,
Mela Sogono
and Ge Wu
(Goldy)
Liquid Light, 2011
Interactive video installation
Installation Studio: Liquid Light, SmartSlab and
Processing.
Every day, we cross paths with familiar strangers
– the melancholy man who sits on the same
seat in the train, the young woman sharing our
steps to the oce building, the teenager with
the same penchant for our favourite restaurant.
We are aware of their existence, but we do not
communicate with them.
...Or do we?
Liquid Light is an interactive video installation
stemming from the concept of “familiar
strangers” – people we meet regularly yet fail
or simply avoid reaching through and striking a
more direct relationship. It plays with concepts
of social responsibility and the often-immaterial
impact each person brings into their surrounding
environment.
The artwork alludes to the fluidity of the modern
social fabric, representing people in the audience
being connected by shining energy halos linking
their glowing auras while gliding through ripples
of dark water. Every now and then, glimpses
of enlightenment about their shared condition
are materialised as a fleeting burst of blinding
white light, only to fade again, in an endless
continuum.
Human interconnectedness is way stronger than
we realise. The distances between us are not
empty spaces, but entities permeated by the
energies we produce.
We are inescapably bonded.
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Chris Law
RoverX, 2011
Prototype industrial design device
RoverX video – vimeo.com/32142280
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It is envisaged that a somewhat larger
version of this platform will provide healthy
companionship and intelligent assistance to
individuals and groups, both in the developed
and developing world.
The Rover X is an open prototype, exploring the
possibilities for a...
“low-cost-high-payload, tracked mobility
platform…” [otherwise translated as “tank-thing
that carries stu”]
His basic capabilities include:
– Autonomous obstacle detection & avoidance
– Exploration mode (free roam!)
– Infra red human tracking (follow me!)
– Remote program selection / speed control
– Eco-regenerative braking / solar option
– Integrated safety cutout & battery monitoring
– Speech control option.
It is also hoped that by open-sourcing the
plans for the device and its embedded
software, custom versions of the little Rover
may find a home globally and even start to
create a community, Wiki, or user-base online,
expanding the possibilities beyond the individual
imagination.
For starter ideas and applications for the
Rover X, go to: 2011.idea9202.net/?p=2401

Ka Yu LI (MeL)
[M]ushion, 2011
Device Studio: Mushion, Arduino and Pillow.
Have you ever experienced the hard feelings and
diculties of a long distance relationship?
When I was devising my concept, I thought
from the user’s perspective. I considered what
I wanted to get from this device in order to
overcome the hard feelings and diculties from
a long distance relationship as the user. Then I
think of my own experiences, a situation where
I really missed my beloved, and wanted to hug
him. Unfortunately he is not at my side. I try to
recall the feeling when I hug him – I hear his
heartbeats. Therefore I created [M]ushion, which
stands for [My] cushion – private, unique and
special. M also stands for [miss].
Where: two dierent locations.
Who: two human beings, one at each location.
What: a pair of cushions; when both sides users
hug [M]ushion at the same time, the users will
hear the sound of heartbeats coming through
from the cushion.
[M]ushion cannot communicate complex
languages, but the users could express the
feeling of miss and love to their beloved.
[M]ushion is not a medicine that saves you
from homesickness, but it’s like a vitamin,
that helps provide relief from your symptoms
of homesickness.
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David Monterro
Gillaranz
Ardunie is an animatronic head, which follows
your position with his eyes when he feels
that you have spent time enough with him to
consider you his friend, and, if he is in the mood,
he will try to engage you in a small talk. The
head uses motion tracking to keep viewer’s
attention while it attempts to make a phone
call to a random number which will be who
eventually will be dragged into an unexpected
conversation.
Eco-defenders is an interactive motion-sensing
urban screen installation. The amount of invaders
of dierent colours respond to real data of
wasted recyclables in the city, dropping an
item into the right bin will destroy the matching
invader. Recycle, and save Sydney from
destruction.
Disturbance is an interactive multi-screen video
installation about the consequences of getting
into somebody’s conversation. A pressure pad
in the middle of the two screens disturbs the
talking characters and triggers their reaction”
Snow Battle is a simple game for two players
using smartphones with TouchOSC as
controllers. Dodge the snow balls thrown by your
adversary using the device’s accelerometer.
Ever had a Doh! moment? This device scans for
your important items before you leave the house.
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Screen Studio: Disturbance, Final Cut Pro.
Device Studio: Ardunie, Arduino and Mixed media.
Device Studio: Doh!, Arduino, RFID and Plastic.

Claudia Nunez-
Pacheco
LÚCILA, 2011
Interactive jewellery
Device Studio: LÚCILA, Arduino and Jewelry.
“Lúcila” comes from “Lucila”, which is a feminine
Spanish name that means “light” and the word
“Lúcida”, that means lucid, clear and luminous”
Lúcila is a piece of interactive jewellery that by
means of sensors, reacts to user’s heartbeat,
providing an experience in a personal level
and a profound connection with the object.
Based on human’s natural sense of belonging,
this installation wants to dialogue with the user
as well as communicates feelings to others.
This device is inspired by the fact that despite
materialism and its negative messages, there are
some objects with strong personal significance
and meaning. Some of them contain a powerful
narrative, dialoguing with us and evoking diverse
feelings, remembrances and ideas. In that sense,
the aim of Lúcila is to represent that the real
and precious value is our personal experience,
symbolised by the colour and frequency of
flashing, which is always dierent according
to every person.
The central light shows our instant emotions by
the use of colour as a tool of communication.
Every colour represents dierent emotional
stages, associated with the user’s levels of
anxiety and calm. This characteristic change
are constantly challenging other’s empathy,
especially when the colour turns an intense
red, mainly because red is a colour that is
conceptually related to a sort of alert mode in
our social conventions.
This design suggests that from the depth of our
inner self, it is possible to manifest something
really inspiring, unique and priceless.
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Ge Wu (Goldy)
Let Go, 2010
Presented by a multiple screen-based platform,
Let Go explores the notion of personal feelings
regarding the complexity and the boundaries
between western and eastern cultures.
Screen Studio: Let Go, Final Cut Pro.
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The film captures the journey of a traditional
Chinese girl struggling to find her originality.
She goes back to the places where she
belonged, trying to discover who she was,
who she is, and who she will be.

Yang Zhou
(Alicia)
Interactive Chinese Shadow, 2011
Arduino Uno + Firmata + Firefly + TouchOSC
Interactive Chinese Shadow is one of my final
unit projects. It allows a participant to interact
with a Chinese shadow device by using iPhone’s
TouchOSC app.
For this device, I used Touch OSC, an easy and
accessible independent interface for iPhone
application design. This was augmented with
Firmata, Firefly, Arduino uno, four servos, an
RGB Led, a flashlight and a Chinese shadow
toy. Firefly is a very easy-to-use software that
allow Arduino fans to achieve multiple functions
without time factor of coding and Processing.
The framework and 3D illustrations can help
one more easily understand the basic working
process and how these software and hardware
connect and work together. Internal structure
demonstrates what the device itself looks like.
TouchOSC interface shows how the app works
and controls the specific functions of device.
This TouchOSC interface allows participants
to adjust the device’s background colour,
brightness and Chinese Shadow’s actions. Red,
blue and green rotary-buttons control the RGB
colour and the white rotary-button controls the
normal LED brightness value. Four fader-buttons
play the role of adjust Chinese Shadow’s actions.
Device Studio: Interactive Chinese Shadow,
Arduino and iPhone.
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The Design Lab within the Faculty of Architecture, Design and Planning would like to acknowledge
their community collaboration between their department and New Media Curation. Thank you too, to
Amy Common of Sai Designs and Vanessa Lim for both the inspired A::R::S exhibition design layout
and the beautiful visual identity of this publication.
A special thank you to the Apple University Consortium for providing us with iPod Touch devices,
to Greg Shapley at the Verge Gallery for accommodating us on short notice and to John Elliott for
funding the printing of this catalogue.
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