Palm of My Hand Interaction Design 2022
Personal Project
As an extension of the original Palm of My Hand sculptural piece, PoMH Part II goes one step further as an interactive work. As a designer, I have always enjoyed work that involves the viewer in some capacity because it becomes a more personal experience. In this piece, viewers are encouraged to touch the tip of the finger to trigger the “blooming” motion of the flower. The idea that human interaction is what breathes life into the sculpture goes hand in hand with our increasingly co-dependent relationship with technology. In many cases, we cannot function without it, and it cannot function without us. The microcontroller is held by another hand and completes the sculpture. My intention was to mimic a person in the future enjoying nature in a futuristic, technologically integrated world.
This project was initially designed to resemble a single paper hand holding an origami flower. After building both pieces, the next step was to determine how to combine both together. The paper hand was quite fragile, and the weight of the microcontroller needed to be offset by positioning and/or fastening it to a separate surface.
Threaded the tubing through the center of the palm
Microcontroller is fastened against the wall in this iteration
Preliminary Sketches and Prototypes
Context
This project was my introduction to working with microcontrollers and sensors. I have learned a variety of techniques ranging from rewiring controllers, attaching sensors, soldering, and origami throughout this process. I plan on continuing to experiment with physical interactions as part of my design process in the future! The project was created using Matthew Gardiner’s Oribokits and was adapted by me in two iterations. In addition to assembling the Oribokit, I built two paper hands and worked with a photocell to contextualize the piece
This project was initially designed to resemble a single paper hand holding an origami flower. After building both pieces, the next step was to determine how to combine both together. The paper hand was quite fragile, and the weight of the microcontroller needed to be offset by positioning and/or fastening it to a separate surface.
Final Iteration 1
After this first iteration, I wanted to make the piece more interactive and settled on the idea of placing the photocell on the tip of the finger to allow viewers to touch the sculpture.
Iteration 2
Post critique, I decided to simplify my idea to make it more of an artistic statement rather than decorative. I chose to use the second hand to support the microcontroller rather than have it attached to the wall. This would allow more flexibility with the black tubing that controls the flower.
Although the final outcome was a simple interactive installation, the skills I picked up during this entire project have inspired me to continue engaging with technology that is outside of my comfort zone. This piece is also a commentary on the future of technology and the way we interact with it. In the space of design and technology, I have begun looking at ways in which interactive experiences can be educational and informative.
Final Iteration & Reflection