White Noise Controller, 2021
Tools: Webcam, p5.js, PoseNet
White noise provides us with freedom from hearing some sounds happening around us. White noise lets babies sleep well by simulating sounds that they heard in the womb. Some research suggests that our brains filter out white noise to focus on other noises[1]. White noise causes imperceptibility. This White Noise Controller lets a participant control the volume of the white noise with their hands. As the volume of the white noise increases, the webcam image on the screen will be washed out to white as well. The project also includes the heartbeat sound. Its volume slightly increases as the participants’ hands come together, and the white noise fades out as if the heart is attempting to say something.
[1] Reite M, Zimmerman JT, Zimmerman JE. MEG and EEG auditory responses to tone, click and white noise stimuli. Electroencephalogr Clin Neurophysiol. 1982 Jun;53(6):643-51. doi: 10.1016/0013-4694(82)90140-7. PMID: 6177509.