Company Cal Poly Pomona
Role Designer, Researcher, Programmer
Timeline 2018 – 2019
Domain Data Viz · EEG · Brain Research

The Art of Our
Machines & Minds

The Art of Our Machines & Minds: An Exploration in Poetic Computation, is a compilation of data and generative design pieces; offering the viewer an introspective opinion on the parallels between the machine and the human brain.

Daniel Aley — Poetic Computation portrait


Dedication

This project is dedicated to the lifelong learners.

Brain illustration

"You know, your own imagination is far more wonderful than any computer could ever be. You know why. You're a living human being! And a computer is just a machine. Human beings are far more wonderful than machines."

Fred Rogers


Emotiv EPOC EEG headset

EEG Headset

Emotiv Epoc used for brain sensing capture

Built with p5.JS

p5.js logo
Sonification sound wave

Sonification Sandbox

Mapping sound output

EEG brainwave signal

Emotiv Pro Software

Data collection & storage

Background

The development of The Art of Our Machines & Minds: An Exploration in Poetic Computation presents users with an introspective opinion on the various parallels that may exist between the human brain and the machine (computational technology).

Viewers are left to question how connected and augmented we are to the data and algorithms that we use to make sense of our world; through the noise we process, our vision, the data we collect from our biological selves & environment, and the art we can make.

Ultimately, leaving the viewer to question how we can share and use our machines and their programs to listen more, not only to the noise of our world, but to listen to those who may not be able to be heard.

EEG brain data spreadsheet

Development

This feat of engineering, design, and artistry was completed during a time when I became fascinated by data sources. I found myself drawn to the human brain, as the final biological data source of creative output.

Process for life

Collection, Process & Wrangling

The production of this piece was completed through the use and practice of data collection, data manipulation, writing of algorithms to produce graphics, and data sonification.

Tools & Craft, always

Tools & Software

Specific tools and hardware used to achieve these results/methods were done with:

  • Emotiv Epoc
  • Emotiv Pro Software
  • p5.js Libraries
  • Sonification Sandbox

Nomination & Award

Awarded 2nd place in the Visual Communication Category at the 2019 Kellogg University Gallery 2D3D Show at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona.


Generative Sketches

Variations of sketches made throughout the exploration of poetic computation. Code primarily built with Perlin Noise Functions, a gradient noise developed by Ken Perlin. Highly versatile for shapes, textures & terrain.

Generative sketch 1
Generative sketch 2
Generative sketch 3
Generative sketch 4

Final Thought

Lets continue to use our machines and tools with pure intention. Through lifelong learning, curiosity, and exploration, I believe that the "deep part" of a person, their ability to feel, love, and imagine... is what truly matters most in our world; especially when building for ourselves and others.

Daniel Aley