Introduction

Over the course of this semester, I had the opportunity to explore four unique workshops that challenged the way I think about design, interactivity, and creative problem-solving. Each workshop introduced a different toolset—ranging from generative design and coding to physical computing and projection mapping—but together, they revealed how deeply interconnected digital and physical design can be.

Workshops

What tied all these experiences together was the spirit of experimentation. Whether I was generating polygonal forms with p5.js, bending light through prisms in a projection setup, building an interactive crystal ball with Arduino, or recreating architectural forms through code, each workshop pushed me to explore new ways of thinking, making, and storytelling. These projects weren’t just about learning new tools—they were about understanding how tools can shape experience, emotion, and engagement. From the smallest lines of code to the placement of physical components, every detail became part of a larger narrative, and each workshop helped me build confidence in merging form, function, and interaction in meaningful ways.

Workshop Coding

This project gave me a deeper appreciation for generative design and how it fits into today’s fast-moving, tech-driven world. Coming from an interaction design background, I’m used to thinking about responsiveness—but applying that mindset to visual design through code was something entirely new. Working with the Tekka Shopping Centre as our inspiration, we explored ways to recreate its petal-like shapes using code. At first, it was challenging—I tried different approaches like using bezierVertex and adjusting corners on rectangles, often running into unexpected limitations. But those roadblocks pushed me to think differently, and I started to see how even simple shapes, when combined with logic and variation, could lead to something much more dynamic and meaningful.

As the project progressed, I found myself enjoying the unpredictability of it all—how slight changes in variables could completely transform the outcome. Finalising the design and seeing it come to life in our zine and poster felt incredibly rewarding. It reminded me that sometimes a complex problem just needs a simple, thoughtful fix. I also loved the tactile aspect of folding the zine and seeing it open up into a full poster—it made the digital feel physical. More than anything, this experience made me realise that I’ve only scratched the surface of what generative design can do. Now that I have a better grasp of the fundamentals, I’m excited to keep exploring how this approach can shape the way I design and think moving forward.

Workshop Interaction

This project was a truly rewarding journey—filled with moments of excitement, frustration, and discovery. While I had some past experience with Arduino, it had been a while since I last touched it, and revisiting it alongside p5.js sparked a renewed love for building interactive experiences. At times, even the smallest obstacles—like a simple connectivity issue—became major roadblocks that took hours to resolve. It reminded me that no matter how visually strong or creative an idea is, the smallest technical glitch can completely derail a project if not handled with care.

Despite the challenges, I found the process incredibly satisfying. From ideation to prototyping, and finally watching our installation come to life—it was amazing to see how a simple concept like an aura-reading crystal ball could evolve into something engaging and immersive. The most fulfilling moment was seeing our peers interact with the piece, eyes lit up with curiosity, trying to uncover the “magic” behind it. That sense of wonder is exactly why I love interactive design—it’s not just about what people see, but how they feel when they experience it.

Workshop Projection

Projection mapping has always been something I’ve wanted to learn. I remember coming across it years ago through a project brief and being completely fascinated by its potential—but also a little intimidated. The software looked complex and overwhelming at the time. Still, I kept saving references and dreaming of the day I could try it for myself.

One of my long-time creative goals has been to explore projecting through or onto water. The way light interacts with ripples and reflections has always felt magical to me. teamLab has been a huge inspiration in this space—their immersive installations blend technology, interactivity, and art in ways that feel almost otherworldly. Watching their work made me realise how projection can go beyond visuals—it can create emotion, presence, and wonder.

Getting to finally explore projection mapping in this workshop felt like taking a small step toward that dream. Even though our materials were simple—paper structures, basic shapes—the core idea remained the same: using light and form to bring imagination into the physical world.

Workshop Making

Through this process, I realised that even something as mathematical as variables and coordinates can be deeply expressive. Inspired by the natural complexity of my amethyst crystal, I learned to translate organic forms into code, adapting as I hit limitations. While I initially struggled to recreate the clusters in p5.js, it was through this trial and error that I uncovered new approaches. Each misstep became an opportunity to rethink and rework, which made the final result even more meaningful.

Building the physical model brought a new level of care and precision to the process. Every fold, every cut had to be deliberate, and I was constantly reminded of how different things become once they move from screen to real life. Even the way the shape changed when photographed from different angles reflected my core theme of “endless growth.” This project challenged me to think in new dimensions—literally and figuratively. I walked away not only with a finished object and a layout I’m proud of, but with a deeper understanding of how code, form, and narrative can come together. Most of all, it reminded me that design is about exploration, and sometimes the most powerful ideas emerge from letting go of control and trusting the process.

Reflection

These four workshops pushed me to explore design in new and exciting ways. From generating 3D forms with code in Code To Thing, to creating immersive visuals in Projection Mapping, building interactive experiences in Aura Reader, and experimenting with patterns in Generative Design, each project taught me something different about how digital and physical elements can work together.
What I valued most was the process—facing challenges, adapting on the go, and learning through trial and error. These workshops helped me see tools like code, sensors, and projections as creative extensions of storytelling. I’ve come away with a stronger sense of confidence and curiosity, and I’m excited to keep exploring how technology can bring design to life.

What I have learned

Through these workshops, I’ve learned that design is as much about exploration as it is about execution. I discovered how powerful code can be as a creative tool, how light and interaction can shape emotion, and how physical computing can bring digital ideas to life in tangible, meaningful ways. I also learned the importance of adapting to challenges—whether it was a coding error, a material issue, or an unexpected outcome, each obstacle pushed me to think critically and problem-solve creatively. Most of all, I gained confidence in working across mediums and a deeper understanding of how storytelling, interactivity, and technology can come together to create impactful design experiences.