BlindSightRobert Carlsen | Andrew Styer

ConceptExplore synesthesia by associating certain body positions with visual hallucinations induced by photic stimulation.

ConceptWearable sensors adjust the frequency of the flashes and thus provide various patterns.

InspirationWilliam Gibson’s “Neuromancer”protagonist uses electrodes/glasses to jack into cyberspace

three-dimensional space visualized as colored geometric shapes

InspirationKinestheticsinterest in sensing body movement as a system rather than as isolated and disjointed movements.

TopicsProprioceptionPerceptionKinestheticsAssociationSelf

IterationSound & Light MachineVisuals in support of audio sequenceExpanding visual frequency rangeUsing body movementProviding user direct control Independent eye frequencies

ResearchJan PurkinjeRecorded patterns perceived looking at Sun

Mitch AltmanBrainwave Glasses

Dominic H. ffytche“The hodology of hallucinations” Cortex, September 2008

ExperienceLED glasses stimulate vision through eyelids.Flashes are often perceived as patterns.Patterns vary based on flashing frequency.Sensors affixed to sleeves affect frequency.Alter the experience by moving arms.Associate position with visual patterns.

ContextSolitary explorationVisual yet vision-diminishedClosed eyesSeatedSpace for movement

MaterialsGlasses with LED elementsAccelerometers worn on armsMicrocontroller / batterySoft switch for operationSnug garment

ChallengesDiscomfortControlling light intensityGenerating meaningful interactionPhotosensitive epilepsyBucha effect

Successes People are often eager to try themStrong favorable reactionMost participants report visualizationGenerally pleasant sensationSeem absorbed by experience

ExplorationOther sensors / movementUtilize gesture Expressiveness in lightsFrequency shift eventsExperiment with audio

http://robertcarlsen.net/blog/blindsight

Robert Carlsen | Andrew Styer

BlindSight