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	The advent of smaller microprocessors, sensors, and actuators is allowing computers to be embedded within the physical world in ways that have not previously been feasible. However, the utilization of this technology is often limited by preconceived notions of what computer technology is useful for, based upon how computers are currently used. For example, currently, almost all objects with embedded microprocessors have tiny LCD display screens as their sole method of display. Rather than having the information shown through narrow windows of the computer screen and tiny LCD panels, we can have many different channels distributed within our physical environment to convey this information. I am attempting to develop devices that allow people to use information on a more instinctual cognitive level than afforded by the interfaces of generalized information appliances like the computer. Computers are capable of giving us exact quantities or very specific information. Specific data is not what is always needed, or even desired. Instead, there are times when we would like to receive the "gist" or a summary of information, rather than the detailed data. Rather than adding more video terminals into an environment, my goal is to create less literal displays that can convey information without overloading our senses. These displays must be carefully designed to be subtle yet informative. The Wobble Lamp was created as a design study to address these issues. It is composed of a frosted glass shade over a dimmable light bulb and a rounded aluminum base. An eccentric weight is mounted on the shaft of a stepper motor within the base. The stepper motor is used to rotate the weight, shifting the center of gravity of the lamp, causing it to change its direction of tilt on its rounded base. Both the light and stepper motor are controlled using a PIC microprocessor circuit and can be connected to a computer through a serial connection. Controlled variation of the light brightness and changes in position, speed and acceleration of the weight allow the creation of a variety of different patterns of movement and light or gestures. The lamp reacts to data inputs in a qualitative manner by gesturing with patterns of light and physical movement. For example, the lamp can move in a jittery fashion to convey nervousness or anxiety, or have smooth rhythmic movements and changes of light intensity to express happiness to an information source. These expressive motions evoked a sense that the lamp was alive. The abstraction of the lamp's physical form from a living creature also emphasizes the motions themselves as gestures that convey emotion.
	The movement of the lamp is not precisely controlled due to the complex dynamics of the system. However this only added to the quirky character of the lamp, emphasizing the notion of the lamp having character or personality. This coincides with Arnheim's observations in The Art of Visual Perception that objects that have more mechanical movements display less emotion, or expression than objects that can move in more complex or organic ways.
	As computers are being embedded within the physical world in ways that have not previously been feasible, I feel that expressive kinetic objects like the Wobble Lamp show new possibilities for physical objects to display information which may be more social and satisfying. home || bio || portfolio || publications || resume Copyright © Andrew M. Dahley. andyd[AT]media.mit.edu