BEAMS is a virtual reality rhythm game that encourages its players to engage with their bodies in novel and playful ways, expanding player perception of possible movements by disrupting proprioceptive patterns and offering an enjoyable, immersive experience modeled after previous successes in the field of VR rhythm games. The combination of virtual reality displays and full-body motion capture allows for the expansion of previously successful rhythm mechanics into yet more immersive spaces. Additionally, the work will offer a tool by which to explore the role of pattern disruption and unpracticed, unconventional movement of the body as a means of increasing somatic awareness among players. This project will comprise the development and testing of such a project - a virtual reality rhythm game with mechanics based upon arcade laser mazes that asks players to dodge beams of light using a motion capture suit as input.
The Expressive Machinery Lab (formerly ADAM Lab) explores the intersection between cognition, creativity, and computation through the study of creative human endeavors and by building digital media artifacts that represent our findings. Applications of our findings range from AI-based digital performance to interactive narrative experiences to educational media design and development.
