Lumina Bloom

Interactive Digital Installation | Projection Mapping | Body Detection

Healing the Soul for Seasonal Affective Disorder Patients

01 Introduction

Lumina Bloom is an interactive digital installation that utilizes projection mapping and body detection to display the blossoming of flowers on a tree branch. This installation is designed to help individuals who suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) by reconstructing the charm of nature in a captivating and therapeutic way.

The flowers bloom, the "sunlight" shines down when human activity or presence is detected, and flowers disperse into particles when people walk away. By creating a digital representation of blooming flowers, I hope to provide a sense of hope, happiness, and a positive impact on the mood and enhance the overall well-being of those struggling with SAD.

In New York City, I often experience increased fatigue and a lower mood during winter, beginning around the end of Daylight Saving Time.

However, with the arrival of spring and the blooming of flowers, there's a noticeable uplift in my spirits. I find joy and rejuvenation when staying with the blossoming flowers.

Then, I started researching the abnormal mood shift at specific times of the year.

Inspiration - Attention to my mood in winter

02 Background

Research

What is the Condition Characterized by Elevated Feelings of Depression & Fatigue During the Winter?

Seasonal Affective Disorder

SAD is a type of depression that happens during a certain year’s season—most often in fall and winter. These mood changes begin and end when the seasons change.

Symptoms

• Sadness, feeling depressed

•Extreme fatigue

• Feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness.

• Loss of interest in social activities.

• Sleeping problems

…

Risky Population

Starts during adulthood.

The risk of SAD increases with age.

Women are affected more often than men.

People who are under extreme pressure.

Living further from the equator.

What Causes Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)?

No clear cause is confirmed, but Less sunlight and shorter days are thought to be linked to a chemical change in the brain.

Decrease Amount of Sunlight Will Cause...

Mean Ratings of Life Contentment in Different Weather

People interviewed on bright and sunny days reported much higher life satisfaction, and happiness and didn't want to change their lives compared to those interviewed on rainy days.

Implications of sunlight affecting our overall mood and mental health.

Even short periods of sunlight are sufficient to improve the mood of a person and to reduce any depressive symptoms.

Sunny

Rainy

Weather not mentiond

Weather indirectly

mentioned

Weather directly

mentioned

Decrease of Serotonin (Happiness)

Decrease of Vitamin D

Melatonin Boost

Vitamin D in our skin, which is crucial for various bodily functions, including mood regulation. A deficiency in this essential vitamin can lead to feelings of sadness.

Lack of sunlight can lead to a drop in serotonin levels, which may contribute to feelings of depression or sadness.

Lack of sunlight can increase melatonin production, making people feel sleepy and less alert.

03 Design Process

Draft

Visual Program Setup

Construct the basic shape of one petal

Multiply the petal and render with color and particle

Trigger interaction with Kinect Camera

Interaction

This is the final version of Lumina Bloom that flowers bloom on a huge tree branch when people show up. When there is no one, it is default to particles. This aims to bring hope by reconstructing nature to patients who have Seasonal Affective Disorder and also people who experience low mood in the winter and less days period.

Colors and movements are randomly generated to indicate the variety and dynamic in the nature. Lumina Bloom offers a unique opportunity for individuals to experience the joy of springtime, regardless of the time of year, by encouraging people to engage with the environment and gain more time under sunlight.

Default mode: When no person is detected

When no human activity is detected, the flower exists in the form of particles. Particles randomly flow around.

Interaction triggered: When people occur in front of the Kinect Camera

When the human is activity detected, randomly floating particles gather to form a flower.

Kinect Camera detects: head/arm/shoulder/hand/knee/hip/foot

The flower bloom & "sunlight" shines down: When people constantly stay in front of the Kinect Camera

The color of the flower will be randomly generated to resemble the variety of nature.

The flower & "sunlight" disappear:

When people walk away

The flower will dissipate into particles to go back to the default mode.

Final Version

Different Types of Flower

Bloom

Disperse

04 Tools & Technolgy Used

TouchDesigner - program the flowers, "sunlight", movement of particles, and interaction

Kinect Camera - detect human activity and trigger the interaction with TouchDesigner

Projector & MadMapper - projection of the entire scene and movement

05 Projection

Indoor - At home

As intended for a home setting, Lumina Bloom provides a lively companion that brings life to the area with its dynamic presentation of the beauty of nature.

Placed next to a desk, it provides an immersive experience more than the rigid works. The blooming flowers provide a subtle reminder of the outside while one goes about their daily business, bringing life and the healing powers of an eternal spring into the space all year round.

Installation sets are set beside the desk to bring liveliness and encouragement of natural power for people besides work. The Kinect Camera is on the desk to detect people's presence.

The installation is in the default mode of floating particles when nobody is beside the desk.

When someone shows up to work beside the camera, it triggers the interaction that flowers will bloom. The color of flowers constantly changes to depict a lively nature.

Outdoor - Public Spaces

Little Island/Hudson River

Little Island is a new park that floats on the Hudson River and is known for viewing the sunset.

Placing "Lumina Bloom" here encourages engagement with the tranquil nature and exercise of walking around by creating a dynamic interplay between the digital flowers and the natural environment.

Financial District - Public Rest Area under Federal Reserve Bank of New York

The Financial District is often associated with high stress levels and a fast-paced work environment.

Introducing "Lumina Bloom" to this public rest area can offer a calming influence, providing workers a peaceful escape by enjoying nature. The contrast between the digital flowers and the steel-and-glass skyscrapers can serve as a reminder of the importance of balancing mental well-being in urban life.

Brooklyn - Public Rest Area near MetroTech Center

The MetroTech Center in Brooklyn is near several academic institutions and technical companies, which offers a valuable break for college students who are often under considerable academic stress, as well as the employees.

Placing "Lumina Bloom" in a public rest area provides soothing visuals of blooming flowers and the gentle transition of light for people, a sensory break from the tired academic life, and encouraging moments of calm and reflection. Furthermore, "Lumina Bloom" could foster social interaction among students, creating a shared experience that enhances their connection to the campus environment and each other.

R U N J I A. P O R T F O L I O