Plankton Perspectives

Interactive microscope visuals using live, locally gathered plankton. See the unseen and connect your audience to science through play!

Experience

Plankton Perspectives invites visitors to dive beneath the surface—zooming through live or recorded microscope views of local water samples and revealing the tiny organisms living alongside the city. In galleries, guests learn to spot shapes and behaviors; at parties, the piece leans more artistic, turning the micro world into flowing, reactive visuals. Either way, the interaction is immediate and approachable: move a joystick and the scene responds—pan, zoom, spotlight, and highlight motion.

Design & Control

Built in TouchDesigner with a USB microscope feed and a joystick interface (e.g., Microsoft SideWinder). Axes handle pan/zoom/scan; buttons toggle organism overlays, edge/contrast modes, and “trail” persistence. A palette control lets you shift from documentary-neutral to performance palettes that read well in mixed light. When feasible, we collect same-day local samples; otherwise, curated clips keep the interaction consistent. Short-throw friendly; works on wall, screen, or scrim.

Thanks for having us!