Ian
Dowsett
In physics entropy is the measure of the
unavailability of a system to do work, usually expressed through the
"loss" of energy through heat and to some extent radiation (light).
The fantasy project in question (entropy space) attempts to illustrate this
concept through the use of an entertaining interactive board, in which
interactees can manipulate "plasma" and condense or expand it with
simultaneous touch to create metaphorical stars of different mass and size. As
the size and mass increase the heat generated on that screen rises to within
tolerable levels to match. Areas devoid of stars or compressed plasma are cool
to the touch and dark. As the user creates more stars or destroys them to
compress the surrounding plasma, the user receives light and heat to
demonstrate the process of entropy. As more and more stars or plasma fields are
interacted with the mean temperature of the screen becomes more distributed
throughout the field of interaction eventually resulting in a loss of the
ability to compress enough plasma or gas to form a "star" while the
screen remains uniformly warm. The system will reset after some time as the
screen gradually cools. In this fashion the principle of entropy as used in
physics on a macroscopic level and a cosmic level can be conveyed effectively
to the participants, without any need for basic knowledge on particle physics,
gravity, etc. The system also has potential for a few simple and entertaining
games, of the sort that seem to most appeal to a wide age and gender variation.
Simple use of the plasma as a limited resource and the compression waves
generated by human interaction would allow, for example, an orb to be propelled
throughout the environment, perhaps with the goal of keeping it off the ground.
the multiple touch capability of the system provides an unusual and unique interactive
experience which, if applied in a pressure, time, or tension based system would
test the limits of the users multi-tasking skills as the situation evolves or
changes.
Visually, the inspiration comes from the
Steve Taylor’s math based exploration of fluid dynamics as actualized through
his game Plasma Pong. However the color used will be of a monochromatic nature,
varying from white through orange/red to black.
