Indhu Solayappan

Software used : Processing

InsideOut is an active wall panel that can be found within the comfort our homes, and is a visual and physical representation of the time we spend both outside and inside. 

This project is heavily influenced by the principles of Biophilic Design - more specifically, the idea of using the complexity and order inherently found in nature to our advantage. 

In the current stage of development, Inside Out uses different forms of these fractal patterns to represent different information. On the wall panel, a geometric fractal grows as the user spends time indoors, and an organic, nature-inspired fractal grows as they spend time outdoors. The greener the outdoor environment is, the faster the OutFractal grows. This physical representation of time spent outside will push the user to increase the amount of time spent with nature.

What is it?

In the current stage of development, Inside Out uses different forms of these fractal patterns to represent different information. On the wall panel, a geometric fractal grows as the user spends time indoors, and an organic, nature-inspired fractal grows as they spend time outdoors. The greener the outdoor environment is, the faster the OutFractal grows. This physical representation of time spent outside will push the user to increase the amount of time spent with nature.

How does it work?

Pattern Growth

The growth of these patterns will be accomplished by technology inspired by a combination of conductive smart wallpaper and thermo-reactive pigment. With the intent to break away from the ‘screen’, this wall panel will be integrated into already existing walls in the living space, with the patterns embedded in it. As the pattern grows, different sections are activated, and hence become visible. 

Connectivity

The panel connects to an app on your personal device, whatever it may be 15 years from now. However, the purpose of this app is very minimal, it simply keeps track of your fractal patterns, and whether you’re inside or outdoors. 

Customization

The user can personalize their InsideOut experience in various ways. By default, it starts regrowing every week - the growth week could start on any day, according what the user prefers.

The colors and patterns themselves can be altered by the user as well. The user also has an option to incorporate sound with the organic fractals, to create a more wholesome environment within the confines of their home.

EXECUTION OF FINAL PROTOTYPE

Processing and L-System Fractals

Fractals can be developed and designed with an L-System (Lindenmayer System).  

It consists of symbolic alphabets, and each one has a ‘production rule’. These alphabets come together to create ‘strings’, which are expanded from an initial string, or an ‘axiom’. An example of a ‘production rule’ is: Move 1 ‘length’ forward while drawing a line. Other examples include turning angles, moving distances, changing colors, changing line-weights, etc

I did an in depth study in L-Systems and how they can be coded using Processing. After learning how to develop the patterns from the ‘strings’, I delved into learning how to animate and grow them, and constantly had users interact with them. You can see some images of my process below.

The final patterns I ended up with are built by the following ’strings’. 

OutFractal: Axiom = X ; X = AZFG[++EBFDX]-FX+AF[--ZFBX]+ADX-DDX ; F = AEFBDF  ; InFractal: Axiom = H+H+H+H+H ; H = ZCI[+IT+H-ZH]-ETH+ZI ; I = ZCITETI 

These are some examples of production rules appearing in the strings above: 

H = Draw a straight line with the specified length  |  + = Rotate the specified degree to the right  ; A = Change stroke color to RGB(170,18,15)  |  Z = Multiple current stroke weight by 0.99  

These patterns overlap, and appear superimposed on the panel.

For the purpose of this prototype, I had users directly input the number of hours they spend outside on an app, which then influenced the growth of the fractals.

PROCESS

 The current prototype of InsideOut was preceded by months of research and iteration - these are some of the initial thought maps and prototypes.