Tactile Projection

Hailey McMahon

Brief

I was excited for the chance to create a striking projection on the front of Ringling College's Academic Center. Using Trompe L’oeil, trick of the eye, I designed an optical illusion where figures seem to break through the surface, with bold colors and strong shadows to make it pop.

Final Presentation

Process

I began by studying Trompe L’oeil, a technique that creates the illusion of depth, making a flat 2D surface appear three-dimensional and more visually engaging.

Research

I wanted to create that illusion of something coming out of the wall, so I had to research the best materials that would allow me the flexibility to stretch it without tearing and have enough material to work with.

This project focuses on creating a tactile projection system that produces 3D visuals with realistic depth and the illusion of interaction. The goal is to make the surface feel physically engaging. A key challenge was adding tactile effects to the digital render, ensuring proper perspective, shadows, and depth.

Process of Set Up

I created a three dimensional prop to support my fabric and allow it to be taut so when I pushed against the fabric, it allowed the figures to be more clear. Here are some of my iterations throughout the project:

Canvas frame

This was my first frame that I used from an old canvas. This did not work because there was no support to hold it up on its own and it had incorrect dimensions.

Remodeled frame

This second frame was built from scratch and allowed support for the sheet and better aspect ratio for the buildings exterior.

Initial setup

The set up allowed for me to test the lighting and viewpoint of the camera, but it was too small for exaggerated movement and it needed more contrast.

Final frame

This frame was used from an old door and was scaled large enough for full body movement. The back lighting was adjusted and the figure was more clear and had more visual appeal.

Behind the Scenes

Challenges

Many of the challenges I faced were different than others who had participated in this project. Working in tactile vs 3D render involved problems with set up and finding the right materials that are best suited for my goals. I had to take into account the aspect ratio and research the different types of lighting better enhance the visual.

Overall observations

I noticed that people love seeing themselves interact with the art and found that people were lining up to participate in the air filter. While working with the prompts, I noticed people loved having a choice over what the prompt was so it aligned with their interests
For the projections themselves, people were most in awe with surprises or twist in the animation especially when it looks like it is coming out of the frame. The example with the robot, people found cool when the fist came out cause it was unexpected and looked dimensional.