DeviceD is a performative installation exploring social media interactions, their influence on users, and the relationship between private and public identity.

A dancer interacts with sounds and visuals through wireless motion sensors and a tactile feedback system made of vibrating motors. The system triggers the vibrations according to real-time twitter interactions, such as hashtags, mentions, and search terms, with each tweet triggering sounds, visuals, and the vibrating motors.

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Lucie Lee performing at A Grand Exposition, 28 October 2017, Talbot Mill. All photos by Nick Harrison

The dancer’s choreography is influenced by social media interactions, and in return the movement influences the audiovisual elements. Remote audiences participate inadvertently through their unrelated posts, while local participants are able to witness their active influence on the performer through the outfit’s flashing lights.

Tech

Joseph Lau with mkII version of wearable device

Demo of wearable system, flashing represents vibrations

System reacting to live twitter activity

Central unit controlling audiovisual elements

Presentations

Manchester Science Festival, MediaCityUK

Carbon Meets Silicon, Glyndwr University

A Grand Exposition, Talbot Mill

Personnel

Manoli Moriaty – sound design, movement interaction
Lucie Lee – visuals, performance & choreography
Joseph Lau – performance & choreography
Barry Carter – web interaction, sensors design
Adam Hart & Andrea Pazos – additional programming

Sponsors

DeviceD was commissioned by the British Science Association, Manchester Science Festival, and Cornbrook Creative. Special thanks to Andy Miah and Mike Corcoran