Author: Mariam Al Khoori

Concept

For my first assignment, I decided to keep it simple while adhering to the given requirements. From the first list, I chose to implement the Lévy flight walk along with the concept of changing color based on the ellipse’s position on the screen. This type of random walk features steps distributed according to a power-law, resulting in occasional long jumps interspersed with shorter steps.

Highlight I’m proud of

function draw() {
  // Update position based on Levy Flight
  angle = random(TWO_PI); // Random angle
  stepSize = pow(random(), -1.5) * 5; // Levy Flight step size with power-law distribution
  x += cos(angle) * stepSize;
  y += sin(angle) * stepSize;
  
  // Ensure the position is within bounds
  x = constrain(x, 0, width);
  y = constrain(y, 0, height);
  
  // Store current position for trailing effect
  trail.push([x, y]);
  
  // Limit the number of points in the trail for performance
  if (trail.length > 100) {
    trail.shift(); // Remove oldest point
  }

From the code above I allowed for my canvas to leave a trail of where the previous pattern came across. Then slowly it would remove the oldest trail by limiting the number of points.

Embedded sketch

Reflection and ideas for future work or improvements

It would be nice to add more user input by allowing users to control aspects of the Levy Flight, such as step size or angle, using mouse or keyboard inputs. Maybe also experiment with different types of random walks or combine multiple patterns for complex behaviors.

In the first chapter of The Computational Beauty of Nature, Gary Flake draws on examples from different fields of science and nature to offer a new way of thinking. I believe he succeeds in simplifying complex concepts like computing and coding. Looking at something as complicated as computer science can be quite intimidating; however, a solution is offered by trying to view how things may work using different methods. This approach to learning can make complex coding a simpler task.

Flake’s approach to reductionism and holism allows for a more thorough learning experience. One example I can provide is when a person tries to get their driver’s license—it is required to gain a basic understanding of some car parts before driving. The parts they would focus on include batteries, engines, alternators, as well as external products used for cars. This allows the driver to recognize the kind of device they will be dealing with and understand the use of each part, especially since specific parts may differ across car brands. The holistic approach comes into play when driving the car itself, as managing the car and ensuring that all parts work together cooperatively is crucial.

Getting my driver’s license was a traumatic experience, especially with the overwhelming amount of information I had to learn. But if it means I get to be the best driver among my siblings, then it is worth it.