In this experiment, I would like to invite people to explore the structure of Chinese characters interactively, offering them a new perspective to see and explore Chinese characters.
Concept
I set Wubi input method as basic concept to construct Chinese characters in my experiment. Due to accelerating development of technologies in digital age, Wubi input method has become a digital culture heritage since it was born in 1980s. Even though Wubi input method has been gradually forgotten by people, as a system to construct strokes into Chinese characters, it still works.
Regarding the design of constructing process of Chinese characters, I decided to print out all the strokes and make them into stamps, which was inspired by ancient Chinese movable printing type. Therefore, 3D printing can be a modern solution for making strokes to real stamps. I modelled every single stroke from Wubi input method on Autodesk Fusion 360 and printed out them by 3D printing.
From traditional Chinese movable printing type to 3D printing, the experiment recalls transformation of our communication environment, bringing on nostalgia in this fast-changing digital age. An idea is implied as well: whatever the world changes, Chinese culture can always be inherited and presented in new manners due to technologies.
The design of interactive learning experience
The whole interactive experience is divided into four steps:
Step 1: Swipe left and right to explore a selection of Chinese characters freely.
Step 2: Explore the structure of a Chinese character by using index paper
Step 3: Based on Wubi input method, choose appropriate strokes of the chosen character.
Step 4: Stamp on paper with index of structure and make the character.
The use of technologies
Leap motion
Leap Motion Controller was designated to capture the movements of participants’ hands with unparalleled accuracy. On step one, participants will be invited to explore characters which is projected on surface of a table. Participants are allowed to freely explore different characters by swiping hands right and left, which imitates reading behaviour of turning page after page.
Fusion 360 and 3D printing
In order to print out the strokes by 3D printing, I modelled them on Autodesk Fusion 360 at first. Then sent stl files to 3D printers and got all the strokes.
Videos
I made two videos which show the entire experience and behind the scenes. To differentiate them, I use almost the same visual language but different editing styles, which is also experimental.
The experiment of the structure of Chinese characters
Behind the scenes: the experiment of the structure of Chinese characters
Afterword
This experiment actually derives from a design report which I wrote for a module during my master’s studies. My initial idea is about to design an immersive learning experience in an enclosed and dark space like what Teamlab always does. But this experiment, as all of us can see, is totally different from it. This is because when I started to carry out my initial idea, there are lots of actual problems have to be considered, like time, expenses, specific technical skills and etc. So I decided to find alternatives of my original plan, and the final result is what you can see now :)
There are several things I have learned from carrying out this experiment:
First, never wait until I am completely ready to carry out an idea.
Second, completion is so much important than perfection. I always felt anxious about imperfections, especially when I expected this experiment would be great. The completion of this experiment pushed me to accept imperfections and learn to be patient.
Third, seek for external support instead of making everything by myself. I was not good at technical stuff. The technical support really helped me a lot.
Many thanks to VeriMake for all the support. Special thanks to Y.X for always pushing me to complete this experiment. Without him, this project would not come out ;)
