Living light interfaces - an exploration of bioluminescence aesthetics

Conference paper (2021)

Authors

B. Barati Eindhoven University of Technology, Emerging Materials - IDE
E. Karana Emerging Materials - IDE , Avans Hogeschool Breda
T. van Dortmont Student
Research Group
Emerging Materials (IDE) (TU Delft)
Copyright: © 2021 B. Barati, E. Karana, S.C. Pont, T. van Dortmont
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1145/3461778.3462038
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Published Date

2021

Language

English

Reuse Rights

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Faculty

Industrial Design Engineering

Department

Sustainable Design Engineering

Research Group

Emerging Materials

Abstract

This paper aims to provide first insights into flash characteristics of bioluminescent microalgae as a potential media for future living light interfaces. A growing number of HCI and interaction design researchers show interest in living material interfaces, which incorporate living organisms for novel responsive behaviour and interaction possibilities in digital and biological hybrids. While much is known about the science of these organisms, their gliving aesthetics', i.e., how humans experience the unique temporal changes in a living media, have hardly been explored. To bridge this gap in designing living light interfaces, this paper presents a study of bioluminescent flash characterisation. A DIY shaking device was designed to interact with the liquid living media, providing a range of stimuli including orbital rotation, pulsation and vibration. The living light aesthetics is presented with rich visuals illustrating the intensity variations over time, textural qualities and spatial distribution.