“The Dark Matter hut” – Final Concept Carla Molins

Refined project description

My concept is a little bit abstract, so I’m going to show my design question first:

How might a concept without visible instance like dark matter be represented for a better understanding?

My concept in order to answer that is a Experiential apparatus/ installation on perceiving a scientific concept (dark matter) for a better understanding.

This concept is based on a experimental installation trying to explore on different ways to “visualize” the concept including all senses but emphasizing haptics.

A whole system of small micro-experiences could be the result within a context of a bigger exhibition space such a science museum space installation.

Interaction/systems diagram

I’m still trying to define the form of my project, right now what I have in mind is this. I need to run several test to see if it’s feasible and it works as expected.

At this point, I see the installation in the shape of a haptic teepee. The user gets in to experience dark matter by touching and triggering the system with those interactions.

This is a more defined sketch. The inner pyramid, the cubicle, it’s covered by latex ( 2 sides + entrance. The outer structure has 2 sides of lights made of a mesh of LED’s. In between, there is a layer of chipboard connected to a stepper motor that will change its shape depending on the tension applied to the material by pulling a string and bending the board.