LOOP: AIGA Journal of Interaction Design Education
June 2003 Number 7

Squares

Aaron Carmisciano
Geoffry Fried, Chair, Design Department, advising faculty
The Art Institute of Boston at Lesley University

“Sqaures” was completed by Aaron Carmisciano as part of an independent undergraduate senior project and defined as “an exploration of multimedia and interactive technology as a means of artistic expression using motion, shape, sound and color in the on-screen computer environment.” At the time, Flash animation was emerging as a web page design standard; but Carmisciano wanted to explore interactivity and new technology for its purely creative potential and as a means to create an artistic and emotional experience.
      A series of short experiments in interactive form—small files that created some sort of motion and encouraged action or reaction—preceeded the final project. These were used to experience, analyze and discuss basic elements of interactivity including feedback, user expectations, hiding or revealing elements, motion, transformation and how these elements related to “storytelling”—creating an experience for the user. Information from these experiments led to the final project, a self-contained, unified piece
      "Squares" consists of a grid of animated squares moving in unison. When users pass the cursor over the squares, they leave a trail, or trace, of their actions. Clicking various squares changes the entire field’s color. Moving the cursor also changes the sound samples.

LOOP June 2003 Number 7