Pimplemator. Hackathon 2015.

Interactive Animation Application Framework developed at the 48hr openFrameworks Hackathon in Shaghai, China, 2015.

Pimplemator is a proof of concept for an interactive animation application framework developed in openFrameworks — an open source C++ toolkit for creative coding. Pimplemator uses the underlying framework to composite animation assets like image files, sound files, and so forth, and deliver them to the user in a way that can be customized for specific interactions. In the Pimplemator example, the user assumes the role of “digital aesthetician” charged with the task of squeezing interactive pimples until they disappear. What is more satisfying? The Kinect detects and interprets the user’s squeezing motions, in turn triggering an appropriate response from the pimples. Additional background informatiion and project assets for Pimplemator can be found on Github.

This particular execution was a simple and compelling interaction, however this framework could be applied to most animation software and styles with larger narrative structures. By queuing potential outcomes the framework allows users to navigate numerous avenues and outcomes within an interactive narrative. Using the Kinect we were able to skeletal track users movements within the space; in this example it was a flapping or squeeze like motion of the arms though this could be replaced with a number of interactions; jumping, waving, motionless freeze, augmenting body into specific shapes and gestures, etc.

Hackathon Team: Wynn Mustin, Saman Tehrani, Henry Lam & Zac Collopy.