Two introverted individuals, a college student and a barista, navigate their daily routines in quiet solitude, finding joy in their peaceful, self-contained lives free from the disruptions of others.
Last September, Batch DDM211 launched their final year exhibition called Natroverse. This exhibition was all about preserving nature, honoring tradition, and celebrating culture. Each student poured their heart into designing and building installations that embodied this beautiful theme. The event took place from September 12 to 25, 2023, and the reception was unbelievable! Here’s a recap video of the exhibition.
The event turned out to be a huge success, drawing in not just fellow students and lecturers but also industry experts eager to witness the installations. What made it even more special was the presence of notable guests: YB Teresa Kok and YB Tuan Ng Sze Han honored the exhibition with their visit during the 28th Dasein Grand Opening, adding to the excitement and motivation of the participating students.
Natorverse was a collection of five remarkable installations.
Point Odyssey by Mouz Chin
This interactive installation aims to raise environmental awareness through immersive visual representations. It creates a surreal landscape and prompts reflection on our relationship with nature often overlooked despite its proximity. The beauty of the forest and nature are preserved through digitalisation by reconstructing the forest by using point clouds. The installation allows scenes within the landscape to be disrupted by people’s movements. The concept illustrates how the seemingly gentle touch of human hands has the potential to harm and destroy the natural environment, especially forests.
Kancil Award 2023 -Digital Craft – Interaction Design (Bronze)
Cultural Magician by Wee Jun Jie
Cultural Magician is an audiovisual installation that showcases the sounds of traditional musical instruments from different ethnic backgrounds. It is combined with sounds, foods, and technology. It is a celebration of culture, innovation, and the power of sensory engagement. It invites visitors to connect with the country’s heritage in a way that transcends traditional boundaries, creating an appreciation impression for Malaysia’s diverse sound patchwork.
Kancil Award 2023 – Best Use of Cultural Insights (Bronze)
Draw Fantasia by Tan Ivan
The concept is to encourage people to express their creativity by colouring in paper representations of five endangered Malaysian animals. This hands-on activity fosters an emotional connection, and when the drawings are scanned, the memory of the experience is enhanced
ClimaIslet by Low Zhong
Climaislet is an immersive floor projection mapping installation that incorporates captivating, visual elements, and interactive features, all seamlessly operated through a leap motion controller. The project envisions an island plagued by pollution and grappling with environmental challenges. It seeks to promote education, raise awareness and emphasise the detrimental impact of industrial pollution on the environment.
EcoTraits by Shawn Wong
EcoTraits offers an engaging experience through an interactive personality test. Users can take the test on a platform, answering questions to uncover their personality traits. Once they finish, a sequence of animation and laser scanning effect will reveale a flower that symbolises their unique personality through an animated presentation.
Each installation not only captured the essence of the theme but also sparked conversations about the importance of preserving our natural world and honoring our rich cultural heritage.
Natorverse wasn’t just an exhibition—it was a celebration of passion, creativity, and the profound connection between humanity and our environment. The impact of this showcase will undoubtedly linger, inspiring future students and visitors to continue exploring, cherishing, and protecting our planet and traditions.
In the realm of innovative and immersive experiences, “SnowSense” stands out as a remarkable interactive projection mapping project. Developed by batch DDM203 – OneShot Production, this extraordinary project not only captivates viewers but also aims to cultivate empathy for Arctic wildlife and raise awareness about the urgent climate crisis. Let’s delve into the captivating world of “SnowSense” and explore how it merges cutting-edge technology with environmental messaging to inspire action.
A Mesmerizing Arctic Landscape: “SnowSense” transports participants into an enchanting Arctic landscape using mesmerizing projection mapping techniques. As viewers enter the installation space, they embark on a journey that reveals both the awe-inspiring beauty and the delicate vulnerability of the Arctic ecosystem. “SnowSense” sheds light on the challenges faced by Arctic wildlife due to climate change and human impact. It paints a vivid picture of the struggles these creatures endure, eliciting an emotional connection and deepening the audience’s understanding of the urgency to address the climate crisis. By witnessing these struggles firsthand, viewers are prompted to reflect on the consequences of their choices and actions.
The interactive element of “SnowSense” plays a pivotal role in enhancing the emotional connection and understanding of the Arctic environment. Visitors can actively engage with the installation through touch-sensitive panels or motion sensors, triggering captivating visual and auditory responses. This interactive experience acts as a metaphor for the interconnectedness between humanity and the natural world. It invites viewers to contemplate their role in mitigating the climate crisis and instills a sense of responsibility.
By combining artistic expression, technology, and environmental messaging, “SnowSense” aims to inspire empathy and action. It serves as a powerful catalyst for viewers to reflect on their choices and consider the impact they have on the environment. The project urges individuals to embrace sustainability and compassion, encouraging steps towards a more sustainable future.
The Creative Process:
Watch the behind-the-scenes process here, showcasing the development of the ‘Snowsense’ from start to finish.
Behind the scenes, “SnowSense” utilises a combination of cutting-edge technologies. Projection mapping brings the Arctic landscape to life, while Arduino controllers enable precise animation and activation. 3D assets and interactions are crafted using Unity, while animation is designed in Adobe After Effects, C4D and Autodesk Maya. This fusion of technology and creativity results in an immersive experience that leaves a lasting impact on its audience.
“SnowSense” is not just an art installation; it’s a call to action. By immersing viewers in the captivating world of the Arctic, it aims to foster empathy, raise awareness, and ignite a sense of urgency to combat the climate crisis. As we reflect on the consequences of our choices, “SnowSense” challenges us to embrace sustainability and become guardians of our fragile planet. Let us heed this call, for a more compassionate and sustainable future lies within our grasp.
Kancil Award 2023 – Best Idea for Social Good (Bronze)
In a stunning display of creativity and technological prowess, a group of students recently organized an unforgettable event called “Geisha Hut Night” for their final project showcase. Held at the captivating Hut Sake Bar in Lalaport, this event aimed to bring exposure to the restaurant while pushing the boundaries of traditional dining experiences. Drawing inspiration from the omakase restaurant’s environment, Japanese culture, and cyberpunk aesthetics, the students seamlessly blended modernity with tradition, creating an evening that was both visually captivating and immensely enjoyable.
One of the highlights of the Geisha Hut Night was the mesmerizing projection mapping. The students expertly employed this cutting-edge technology to showcase the rich culture of Japan and highlight the branding of the restaurant. The fusion of traditional elements with cyberpunk aesthetics added a futuristic touch that perfectly complemented the venue’s ambiance. The meticulously designed motion graphics interacted seamlessly with the captivating wall art, immersing guests in a visual spectacle that transcended the boundaries of traditional restaurant events.
A Futuristic Dining Experience Taking the dining experience to the next level, the students introduced an interactive AR menu. By scanning markers on their tickets, guests were transported into a world where three-dimensional images came to life, accompanied by subtle animations and relevant text. This innovative approach not only added an element of excitement to the event but also served as a seamless connection to the overall theme. The AR menu provided a glimpse into the future of dining, where technology and culinary artistry merged harmoniously.
The Wall of Guest Comments Another standout feature of Geisha Hut Night was the interactive comment section. By scanning QR codes on their tables, guests were directed to a website where they could share their thoughts and feedback. These comments then magically appeared on the projected wall, creating a captivating display of real-time engagement. This interactive element further amplified the sense of community and allowed guests to actively participate in shaping the event. It was a testament to the students’ commitment to creating an inclusive and immersive experience for everyone present.
Omakase restaurants are not confined to traditional interiors. By combining innovative technology, modern performances, and a lively atmosphere, the event shattered preconceived notions and showcased a new side to the dining experience. It emphasized that enjoying a meal can be an adventure filled with excitement and entertainment. Geisha Hut Night offered a glimpse into a future where dining is not just about savoring exquisite cuisine but also about creating lasting memories in a dynamic and immersive setting.
Conclusion: The Geisha Hut Night event organized by these talented students left a lasting impression on all who attended. Through their mastery of projection mapping, interactive AR menus, and engaging wall comments, they successfully brought exposure to Hut Sake Bar while redefining the boundaries of traditional dining experiences. This fusion of tradition and cyberpunk innovation served as a reminder that dining can be an extraordinary journey, where technology and artistry blend seamlessly to create an unforgettable and immersive experience. The students’ remarkable final project showcased their creativity, technical skills, and vision for the future of dining, leaving us eagerly awaiting their next endeavor.
In today’s world, technology plays a significant role in our lives, it is essential to explore innovative ways to address environmental issues. One such effort is the student’ project ‘s interactive installation “Shine for the Ocean.” Created by a talented digital media student, this interactive exhibition aims to merge technology and art to raise awareness about the detrimental impact of human footprints on ocean life. Utilizing Arduino circuits and sensors, this installation transforms the viewer’s experience, taking them on a mesmerizing journey through the ocean depths.
Stepping into the exhibition space, visitors are greeted with a breathtaking display reminiscent of a vibrant underwater ecosystem. The artist has skillfully crafted a series of illuminated fish sculptures, each exquisitely designed to represent different species found in the world’s oceans. The sculptures, initially bathed in a serene blue hue, draw viewers closer, tempting them to embark on an exploration of this digital marine wonderland.
The magic of “Shine for the Ocean” lies in its interactivity. As the audience passes by, sensors strategically placed throughout the installation detect their presence. This triggers a transformation within the artwork, as the once tranquil blue waters evolve into a haunting shade of red, symbolizing the impact of human activities on marine life. It serves as a powerful visual metaphor, inviting viewers to reflect upon the consequences of our actions and inspire positive change.
“Shine for the Ocean” is a testament to the power of art and technology in driving social change. It serves as a poignant reminder that each of us has a role to play in protecting our oceans and the magnificent creatures that call it home. As we navigate a world increasingly influenced by technology, projects like this provide a compelling platform for raising awareness and fostering a sense of urgency. Through the union of digital media, interactive art, and a passionate call to action, “Shine for the Ocean” serves as a guiding light, illuminating our path towards a more sustainable and harmonious relationship with our planet’s most precious resource: the ocean.
Kancil Award 2023 – Digital Experience – Other Digital Experiences (Bronze)
The group project ‘Heat Escape’ by Chin Jia Wei, Tey Yun Nee, Ting Ee Vern, and Yeong Ke Xin, students of Dasein Digital Media, achieved great success at the iNYALA 2022 Beyond Light New Media Art Competition. Their installation, focused on the theme of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), garnered recognition as it won The Best Creativity and The Best New Media Art Awards.
From December 1 to 25, 2022, the ‘Heat Escape’ art installation was exhibited at Fahrenheit88, captivating audiences with its unique concept. The project employed anamorphic illusion, requiring viewers to stand at a specific distance for optimal viewing, along with supportive motion on other sides of a cube screen. By utilizing audio-visual data depicting man-made disasters, ‘Heat Escape’ transported viewers to the scenes of these disasters, prompting reflection on the future trajectory of our planet.
The conceptual sphere, represented in an anamorphic view, symbolized planet Earth, while the ever-changing shapes and elements on it represented man-made hazards such as deforestation, air pollution, and water pollution, all of which contribute to global warming. The installation aimed to highlight the consequences of human exploitation and the cyclical nature of our planet’s recovery efforts. It served as a poignant reminder that without addressing these issues, the extinction of both our planet and humanity would become inevitable.
As a result of their outstanding work, the group received a total cash prize of RM6000 and trophies from Helios Loo, the founder of iNYALA, and Chegne Eu Jin, the Assistant Marketing Manager of Fahrenheit88.
iNYALA, established in 2019, strives to be a progressive platform in Malaysia, championing the new media arts. The organization aims to nurture young talents, foster connections within communities, and facilitate dialogues surrounding technology, sustainability, and art.
Helios Loo and Puan Nor Aida bin Ismail, the Timbalan Pengarah Bahagian Pengurusan Strategik Tourism Malaysia, presenting the trophy and prize money RM3,000 to Tey Yun Nee, Chin Jia Wei, Ting Ee Vern, Yeong Ke Xin for their artwork Heat Escape which focused on SDG 13 – Climate Action.