Garden Flow

Introduction

Sam and Dale Griffin are yoga enthusiasts and we wanted to provide them with a space that enhances their yoga experience. They use their yard every morning at dawn as a calming space to practice yoga. 

We interviewed yoga practitioners and many of them expressed the importance of breathing and visualizing their Heart Rate Variability (HRV).

According to an article written by Marcelo Campos, HRV is "a measure of the variation in time between each heartbeat." Campos goes on to explain having a high HRV is directly correlated with "greater cardiovascular fitness and be more resilient to stress."

https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/heart-rate-variability-new-way-track-well-2017112212789

Design

Garden Flow utilizes a heart rate sensor to display the user's physical state onto the garden. This connection between user and garden magnifies the unseen: the user's health, projected onto the surroundings they enjoy every morning. 

The projections will visually represent the user's heart rate and allow them to focus on controlling their heart rate and breathing while they are doing yoga. Rather than using numbers or graphs, we wanted to design an abstract animation that is also aesthetically pleasing. 

This particular particle animation is to display an ideal breathing pattern. The change in color, speed and shape of the particles represent when to breath in and out. The user could use this animation to be aware of their breathing and slow their heart rate down; for example, to breathe in when the color turns red, and breathe out when the color changes to a light pink.

Another animation used to project the user's data upon their surroundings is a visual representation of the user's heart rate. The birth of the circles is generated based on the heart rate rate input. This will allow the user's to watch their heart rate and focus on rhythm.

Concept & Data Flow Diagram

Using TouchDesigner and a heart rate sensor, we created a simple prototype (Minimum Viable Product) for our clients.

Our hope is to use existing technology such as Fitbit or Apple Watch to allow wireless connection between the user and the projection.

Video Trailer