These systems, where each cell in a grid evolves based on the state of its neighbors, have inspired mathematicians, artists, and technologists alike. From Conway’s Game of Life to modern generative art, cellular automata demonstrate how emergent behaviors can create visually captivating and intellectually intriguing works.
In this project, I designed an interactive cellular automata sketch using p5.js. The goal was to create a dynamic canvas where users can experiment with CA rules, colors, and patterns in real-time. The grid evolves based on Conway’s Game of Life rules: cells are born, survive, or die based on the number of active neighbors. However, the interactivity takes the experience further, allowing users to influence the automata by adding or removing cells, toggling simulation states, and randomizing initial conditions. This makes the system not only generative but also deeply personal and exploratory.
What makes this project exciting is the ability to tweak parameters and immediately see their impact. Users can modify grid size, experiment with different initial states, and even create patterns manually by dragging their mouse. The vibrant, gradient-based color scheme adds an artistic dimension, transforming mathematical rules into dynamic visual expressions. Cellular automata are not just about abstract computation—they’re about discovering the unexpected beauty that emerges from simplicity.