Lightspeed

Lightspeed is an interactive simulation of a classic hyperspace-like imagery seen in sci-fi movies and games. Using open-sourced face-tracking technology, the viewer can adjust the point of view in this virtual world, looking around the “corner” and moving side-to-side. I really enjoyed making this interactive work, as it was both pleasing for me to look at and a fun experience manipulating an imagery that has long since been static and prerendered for viewers, like watching a movie.

You can view the original project documentation on the class website.

Demonstartion the software, the face-tracking debug mode, and the view from a user.

The viewer can move their head side to side, or turn their head side to side. Doing so adjusts the angle of their vision through lightspeed and hyperspace.

The software calculates the direction and position of the head, and shifts the centerpoint of the tunnel as well as the curvature of the stars' paths.

Planning and Sketches

Planning everything from the visual style of the tunnel effect or light streaks, to the mappings of the user's head movement.

View the source code