
- PROJECT OVERVIEW
- & CONCEPT
Created for a private setting at Interlude Studios, this interactive installation explored the theme of surveillance through a visceral, real-time experience: a giant projected eye that tracked each participant’s movements.

Interactive Perception &
Visual Direction
While minimal in aesthetic, the installation’s interactivity was central to its conceptual impact. 3D-rendered human eyes floated and reacted in real time. Using motion-tracking, the eyes locked onto participants as they moved, responding with movements that gave the unsettling impression of being watched. This tracking—fluid, subtle, and at times flashy—was deeply psychological. Viewers quickly became aware of their role not just as spectators but as subjects within the system. People slowed down, tested the eyes’ response, or stood still. What emerged was a haunting meditation on surveillance and the increasingly blurred line between viewer and viewed.

- INTERACTIVE
- SETUP
The system was built using Kinect v2, TouchDesigner, and Unreal Engine:
Kinect v2 was used to capture real-time skeletal tracking of a single participant’s body position.
TouchDesigner handled depth mapping, user detection, and interaction logic, smoothing Kinect input for responsive tracking.
Unreal Engine generated the interactive 3D eye visuals with realistic shading, lighting, and animation.


TECHNICAL
APPROACH
The visuals were projected onto a large screen in a darkened room, giving the eye a tangible sense of presence and weight. We used rear projection, allowing the hardware to be positioned behind the screen—minimizing obstruction and enabling participants to get physically closer to the image without casting shadows. A designated interaction zone was carefully marked out in front of the screen, guiding viewers into the optimal range for engagement. We calibrated the Kinect’s tracking field precisely to this area, aligning it with the projection field so that the eye's movements would correspond naturally to each participant’s position. The system was tested extensively in the weeks leading up to the event to fine-tune responsiveness and ensure a smooth, uninterrupted experience.

- EXPERIENCE &
- OUTCOME
This project stands out not for its technical complexity, but for how effective a simple gesture can become. At its core, the interaction is conceptually straightforward: a digital eye following the viewer’s movement. Yet the subtle act of being watched becomes important.
The work becomes less about showcasing technology and more about evoking presence, vulnerability, and introspection. It’s a reminder that interaction doesn’t need to be complex to be impactful. Even the most minimal gestures can provoke profound responses, especially when they tap into the feeling of being seen.
Info
ConceptNDVSN (Indievision)
VenueInterlude Studios



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