The Anti-MirrorAn art installation that starts distorting your reflection when you get close to it.
Team-of-3 project
INSPIRATIONI am fascinated by highly interactive and high-tech art such as…
…Danny Rozin’s work on responsive tile grids…
…and Neil Mendoza’s work on a shifting mirror that runs away from you.
The Anti-Mirror is a response to their work.
MAKING PROCESSThe Anti-Mirror is made of a 4x4 grid of moveable mirrored tiles actuated by 16 servo motors, powered by an Arduino. Each tile can move independently.
CAD and rapid prototyping
I designed and fabricated each of the individual tiles in the 4x4 grid such that they could be connected to servo motors wired to a microcontroller. Getting a “tilting” motion of the tile, actuated by the servo motor, was tricky and took several iterations to perfect.
Modular design
We created a 2x2 concept grid. After this proof-of-concept was complete, we scaled this up to four 2x2 grids.
Interaction design
I used the 2x2 proof of concept to experiment with different interactions using ultrasonic and IR sensors. I decided that The Anti-Mirror should continuously distort itself using various patterns when someone is nearby. I wanted to showcase the fact that the tiles could move individually and within a relatively large grid.
Exhibition design
We decided to display the wires and hardware without a casing to add a futuristic feel to the installation.
Through the Anti-Mirror, I discovered a love for new media art, interaction design, and experience design!