Concept
For my final project, I want to create an interactive visual system in which particles move in a collective way and can be influenced through the user’s hand gestures captured by a webcam. The particles will behave like a living swarm using the flocking mechanism we have learned in class. Rather than interacting through a mouse or keyboard alone, the user will use their literal hands to push, scatter, gather, and possibly hold the particles in place. Through these gestures, the user will be able to create constantly changing visual compositions in real time.
The main interaction methodology will be webcam-based hand tracking. The user’s hands will become active forces inside the particle environment. Depending on the gesture or hand position, the particles may respond in different ways. A hand moving toward the swarm may push particles away as if creating a wave or gust. Slower or more stable hand positions may attract and gather particles into denser clusters. If both hands are used, they may create a temporary holding area between them, allowing the user to trap or guide a portion of the particles through the space. Faster gestures could create turbulence or scatter the particles more dramatically, while gentler movements could produce quieter, more controlled shifts. I may also include keyboard controls to switch between interaction modes if needed, but the webcam and hands will remain the main interface.
Hand Sketch
Interaction Design
- One hand: pushes, repels, or redirects nearby particles
- Two hands: gathers or traps particles between them
- Fast motion: creates turbulence and scattering
- Slow / steady motion: creates attraction or calm clustering