converse
interactive custom video wall installation @ lovejoy & soho stores
credits
The Lovejoy Backwrap Feature provides a unique aesthetic opportunity. The bright LED display as it shines
through the Converse rubber is a playful, artistic, surprising element in the retail space. We have created three categories of content for the display and on few different
ideas of interactivity. These three categories reflect our discussions with Converse and the
inspirational images that were provided to us.
The general direction for the interactive content is to take advantage of the element of the pixel and to elevate
its characteristics and aesthetic qualities. A series of references can be mentioned here from Pop & Op Art, to
Giltch Art and more recent Computational Patterns. Photographic & Video content as well as Textual inscriptions
are integral part of the content for more direct communication with the viewers and participants.
1. Image & Video Content
One of our strategies is the display of images and videos with a series of automated filters.
These filters were based on pixel color substitution routines as well as mosaic and glitch generating processes.
These filters were programmed for real-time interaction.
a. Idle Mode (Default Curated Content).
The Display will cycle through an inventory of images and videos preprocessed for the specifics of the
screen resolution.
b. On-Site Upload from Device (iPad).
The customers and visitors of the store can draw on a simple paint interface their own patterns and
upload them to the screen. This interaction can be located in the customization area.
c. Instagram #Lovejoy
The Lovejoy Feature will automatically search for specified tags on Instagram and cycle through them.
2. Text Content
Text was displayed with a custom font created specifically for this feature so as to ensure crisp design. Pixel
fonts are best suited in this case. In our animation we are using a 5x5 pixel grid for each letter adding up to a
multiple line inscription. The text was written one character at a time by the cursor and scrolling downwards
once the display is full of text.
a. Idle Mode (Default Curated Content).
Preloaded messages. Open-ended.
b. Interactive with Kinect Sensor.
Once the kinect sensor captures one or more customers inside its range, the display greets them by
choosing from pre-recorded messages.
c. Twitter #Lovejoy
The Lovejoy Feature will automatically search for specified tags on Twitter and cycle through them.
3. Processing Patterns
A variety of non - representational patterns. Our first
approach was to isolate specific animated patterns that work in a simple intuitive manner and in a low
resolution display. Color palettes, speed and even-timing will be very important in this category as to provide
an amazing experience to the viewers and users. In most examples, a simple change of speed in the behavior
of the computational system can range from an energetic effect to a smoothing playful feeling. This process
required fine calibration with the interactive components.
a. Idle Mode (Default Curated Content).
Smooth and slow transitions between different computational systems. Wave-like interference
patterns moving slowly across the display. These are automated and generated real-time based on
a predefined range of parameters like color and initial state of noise.
b. Interactive with Kinect sensor 1.
A very useful feature of the kinect sensor is that it can recognize up to 6 body-maps (“skeletons”).
These were abstracted as a set of localized points on the display which in turn can affect the
processing patterns in realtime. The final feel is an abstract game-like environment
inviting the viewers to become participants for a short period of time.
c. Interactive with Kinect Sensor 2.
The Kinect sensor can provide a depth map of the retail space. This map is a beautiful data set and
was displayed by itself with a simple time-shadow effect (time delay) and other types of real-time
image deformers.