The Stairs Not Taken Explore the unseen.
A digital installation designed to transform the neglected space into a live, interactive environment. It was a forgotten staircase located in the Wilkinson building at Sydney University. The project was exhibited in Nov 2019 and have draw tremendous traffic and positive feedback by participants.
Challenge
How might we generate public interest for the in-between space through digital intervention?
Design Process
Research
Observed and analyzed the passenger behaviors and trajectories on the site. Face to face interviews were conducted to understand their preference and how do they feel about the neglected space.
People most likely avoid going to the mentioned staircase as they thought it’s dull and giving out negative feelings. Some of the respondents even do not know it’s exist.
Ideate
Body-storming, brain-writing and storyboarding were used to generate ideas for the design solutions. The main objective was to increase the foot traffic of the site and change the perception of passenger towards this space.
The Final Idea
After few rounds of ideation, the final idea was to create a cloud-like installation hanging on to the ceiling, when people are attracted by the sounds and created curiosity to walk along the staircase, the cloud state would change from storming to sun shinning. The wall besides them would have visualizations reflecting the aurora from the participants while they are walking.
The first prototype testing for the cloud, with LED strips inside programmed with Arduino.
Develop & Testing
Once the final concept was decided, the product was started developing phrase by phrase as it contained 2 separate parts, including an interaction display developed by javascript, as well as a cloud-like installation connected with LED strips and Arduino.
Project Video
