What kinds of installations grab the attention of people when they know nothing about it? What makes the viewer want to interact with the piece? How does the viewer know what to do when there are no instructions? These were some questions we wanted to answer through this project. The experiments are posted chronologically.

The Trap - Phase #1 - "The Test: Mirror, mirror on the Wall..."



Features:
Two cameras watching people, a mirror to attract attention

The outcome:
People are surprised/startled.

Problems:
The installation itself is not noticable
People don't know that they have to walk up close.

The Trap - Phase #2 - "Let's Talk Vanity"


Added Features:
Red backdrop, different sounds, a proximity sensor and a make controller

The outcome:
People are surprised/startled.
People laughed.
People took pictures.
People took turns getting different responses.
People re-returned over and over again.
People were interested in finding out how the machine was working.

Observations:
The installation was very noticable.
People knew that the comments were randomized pre-recordings.
People just simply had fun and enjoyed the installation.

The Trap - Phase #2, version 2 - "Mechanic Vanity"


Added Features:
Constant beeping sound, mechanic voice recordings.

The outcome:
People are surprised/startled.
People laughed.
People took pictures.
People took turns getting different responses.
People re-returned over and over again.
People were interested in finding out how the machine was working.

Observations:
The installation attracted attention the most.
People were more interested in how the machine worked rather than just playing with the responses and laughing.

Project done in collaboration with Yoo Kyoung Noh and Sharon Levy