Artefact
An experiential artefact that explores the effects of human activities on wildlife populations and the Earth.
Description
The artefact is based on the insights and conclusions that were derived from both datasets - the Living Planet Index and Threats To Wildlife. The artefact visualises the idea of 'The Dying Planet' through an interactive experience that raises awareness of the fragile wildlife population on Earth. The artefact is made up of ellipses that come together to create a sphere that represents the planet, Earth. The individual ellipses represent each wildlife species that forms life on Earth.
The artefact's interactions reflect the effects of human activities on the wildlife population. When the mouse is moved, the ellipses forming the planet scatters away, leaving Earth destroyed and lost. However, if the mouse stays put, the ellipses rebuild the shape of the planet again. This interaction visualises the effects of the threats to wildlife. In this sense, the scale of movement by the mouse symbolises the severity of destruction made. These threats destroy life on Earth, but if the threats are reduced or stopped, wildlife populations can repopulate Earth again. If the mouse is pressed, the ellipses will be colourised to symbolise a healthy and idealised state of Earth. Metaphorically, this interaction portrays how supporting wildlife conservation efforts, brings back life to the once dull-looking planet. When the mouse is let go, colour vanishes from the Earth depicting the absence of wildlife protection, as a result our wildlife populations are susceptible to destruction again.
Process
Below are some process images including sketches, drafts and other iterations of the artefact. I started off with some sketches on user interactions with the artefact. Then, I developed the first drafts of the code, starting with the sphere as it was the main element of the artefact. I referenced 'Planet Growth' by Naoki Tsutae to learn how to create particle systems. Next, I altered the sphere to resemble a planet and added in user interactions like repulsion and attraction of the particles that are controlled by the mouse. Additionally, I coded a randomiser that generates twinkling lights in the background to mimic stars in the galaxy. Lastly, to add in the instructions on how to interact with the artefact, a timer is put in place for the text to disappear after a while so it does not disrupt the experience of the artefact.
Other Explorations
Some other experimentations based on the idea of planet. When I started to develop the concept of the artefact, I also looked into other generative codes. Here are a few initial explorations of possible artefacts which I have considered.
Further explorations using particles together with mouse interactions to convey the idea of particles coming together to form the planet and dispersing away