In celebration of Nike's 50th anniversary and Berlin Marathon Weekend, our interactive treadmills transformed the aura of each runner's biodata into a unique artwork.
Concept
Together with our friends at Sunst Studio, we engineered a 360° running experience promoting the joy of running as opposed to high performance.
The setup comprised of a towering wall-to-floor LED surface, interactive analog treadmills, sensors for speed and BPM measurement, and Kinect360 cameras for motion tracking.
Custom Control System
Our TouchDesigner-based OS connected a central control PC with satellite machines that were responsible for controlling sensors, interactive content, responsive sound, printers and a digital art gallery.
Real-time Visualization
By capturing the runners 3D silhouette, speed and BPM data, we visualized their biodata in realtime.
These personalized "auras" were composed of different color spectrums and visual layers that were influenced by the runner’s reactions.
Digital Art Gallery
Upon completion of the running experience, all personalized "auras" were transformed into unique digital artworks and displayed on the gallery screen.
User Journey
The experience was separated into three phases and guided by dynamic & responsive sound and vfx design.
Phase One
Prepare yourself
Choose your shoe, activate the sensors, and get to know the treadmill.
Smart Wristband
Integrated sensor returns your live BPM data.
Custom Made Antenna Trackers
RFID chips attached to the running shoes automatically tailor the experience to each model.
Warm Up
Find your pace on the analog treadmill.
Phase Two
Gamification
Now the sensors come into play. Your BPM is visually transmitted to the screen. A speed sensor mounted onto the treadmill tracks your acceleration and influences the visual layers.
First Challenge
Hold your BPM for 30 seconds.
Second Challenge
"Find your fast" in three levels. Match your personal BPM goal. Unlock the next level to gain more visual and sound layers.
Run For Joy
Have fun with the visualization.
Phase Three
Give Away
Upon completing the challenge, receive a QR code printout and download your unique digital artwork, which is also displayed on the gallery screen.
Responsive Sound
To enhance the interactive gaming aspect of the experience, we composed a dynamic sound environment comprising of multiple atmospheric layers and sound effects. For each level that was completed, another atmospheric layer was added. Sound effects were triggered by the runner’s actions, and the visual prompts which guided them. Whilst running, the Max MSP instrument triggered a tone which increased and decreased in accordance with the runner's heart rate. As the experience progressed, the sound world became richer and more dynamic.
Concept and art direction: Sunst Studio Creative Director: Lois KainhuberArt Director: Julia Parchimowicz/Sunst Studio Project Lead / Producer: Miko Lewandowski Lead Visual Artist: Alex Guevara Visual Artist, System engineer: Itaru YasudaSenior Motion Designer: Szymon Sawicki
Lead Sound/Vfx Designer: Olivier Fröhlich sound Programmer: Christian Losert / Atelier-E Lead Tech Engineer: Daniel Dalfovo / Atelier-E Tech Engineer: David Leroy Design and Fabrication: Tim Stolzenburg
