[Core Idea]:

"Nexus" visualizes the invisible connection between generations, emphasizing the mystical cycle of life. Inspired by the biological fact that a woman’s ovarian follicles are formed while she is still a fetus in her mother’s womb, the project uses sound energy to highlight the continuity of life from grandmothers to mothers to children. By transforming user-generated sounds into light, it creates a symbolic interaction that connects participants with the deeper story of their origins and their role in the chain of life.

[Objective]:

• Reconnect with Origins: Help participants reflect on where they came from and their connection to future generations.

• Promote Awe and Gratitude: Inspire appreciation for the biological and mystical processes that make life possible.

• Bridge Generations: Use HCI to simulate communication between past, present, and future through sound and light.

[Target Audience]:

Individuals interested in ancestry, mindfulness, and human connection.

Artists and technologists exploring sound, light, and HCI

Educators in biology, philosophy, or art seeking engaging tools for storytelling

Museums, galleries, or public spaces hosting interactive installations.

[Technical Plan]:

Central component: A 3D-printed object sphere shaped LED illuminator(like a small version of Vegas’s sphere)resembling follicular cells, illuminated by LED lights Lights respond dynamically to sound intensity and frequency.

Interactivity Viewers make sounds (e.g., voice, claps) into a microphone.

Sounds stimulate, lighting up the follicular cell structure to symbolize vitality and life.

HCI Integration: Use real-time sound processing software to control light patterns and intensity. Create subtle visual feedback to reflect the sound’s "journey" from ancestors to descendants.

Materials and Tools: 3D printer for creating the installation structureŽ x Microphones, sensors, Sphere aligned LED lights and controllers for visual output

[Supporting Research]:

Biological Foundations: Follicular Biology: Studies show that ovarian follicles develop during fetal life, creating a direct biological link between three generations (grandmother, mother, and child)

Prenatal Sound Perception: Research indicates that fetuses respond to external sounds, suggesting that vibrations could influence communication across generations.

HCI and Ancestral Connections: Interactive art projects like "Rain Room" and sound-based installations have demonstrated how multisensory experiences can evoke reflection and connection

Philosophical and Cultural Contexts: Many cultures emphasize the importance of ancestors and their influence on the present, aligning with this project's focus on heritage and continuity.