Startle Response Exhibit: Slow-motion video captures visitors being startled by rapid balloon inflation. (Exploratorium)  info and video => Divided Attention Exhibit: Visitors see how many moving objects they can simultaneously follow. (Exploratorium) try it now, info and video => Interactive Mirror Display: Full length mirror alters reflected image based on user's height.  info and video => Charitable Kiosks: aggregate charitable contributions and connect volunteers with charitable organizations referrals. info, flash presentation, info architecture (pdf) => Echo Tube Exhibit (modification): Bright LED lights at the far end of a long echo tube light when sound arrives. (Exploratorium)  info and video => Out Quiet Yourself Exhibit: Game that scores visitors on how silently they walk along a pebbled course. (Exploratorium)  info and video => Listening WhileTalking Exhibit: To hear jokes, visitors must continuously speak into a telephone. (Exploratorium) more info => Audio Pong Exhibit: Visitors play a unique game of non-visual Pong. (Exploratorium) more info => Architecture for the Blind: Inexpensive, portable system makes physical spaces and features audible to the visually impaired more info => Closed Eyes Telehaptic Communication System version I: Internet communication from private, co-imagined virtual spaces. info and video => Closed Eyes Telehaptic Communication System version Ii:Internet communication from private, co-imagined virtual spaces. info and video => Internet Ouija Board: Connected users control position of a single collective pointer, employing metaphor of a Ouija board try it now and info => Interactive Gallery Slide Show: User's breath controls presentation of photos depicting an ascent into the Indian Himalayas more info => Interactive Networked Screen-saver: Multiple audio driven, idle PCs auto-collaborate to create an interactive entertainment. more info =>

Startle Response Interactive Museum Exhibit (Exploratorium, San Francisco)
National Science Foundation Funded

Summary
Video camera records visitors at the instant they're are startled by a balloon, which fully inflates in 1/5 of a second. The kiosk immediately replays their expression in slow motion. Visitors are invited to explore the commonality of emotional facial expressions across all humans, irrespective of race or ethnicity. Inspired by the research of Dr. Paul Eckman, and in particular a lecture I attended where he dropped his live, Lavaliere microphone by accident. Instead of apologizing, he immediately commented to the auditorium "what an amazing set of startle responses!" In collaboration with Erik Thogersen.

System
Air compressor, solenoid controlled valve, PC, microcontroller. Programmed in Max/MSP/Jitter.