Aura is an interactive breathing sensor that transforms the intangible act of breathing into visible, auditory, or tactile feedback. The project invites participants to experience mindfulness through their own breath, turning a simple act into an immersive and reflective moment. Designed for art installations and galleries, Aura embodies the fusion of art, technology, and introspection.

The concept dev Aura stemmed from the challenge of capturing the user's breath without being invasive. During the ideation phase, I explored various designs for an object that could naturally blend into art installations while remaining functional in gallery environments.

Throughout the development process, Aura went through numerous tests and iterations to refine both its external design and internal housing. I focused on creating a sleek form that not only felt natural in a gallery setting but also housed the technology in a way that was efficient and unobtrusive. From sensor placement to material choices, each iteration aimed at improving the accuracy of breath detection while maintaining the aesthetic and functionality necessary for an interactive installation.

In the final execution, Aura materialized as a sleek, intuitive object that captures breath and transforms it into multi-sensory feedback. The sensor responds in real-time, offering participants a direct connection between their breath and the physical world through lights, sounds, or tactile sensations.

Whispering Pinwheels is an installation designed for the Aura breathing sensor, capturing the transient nature of human breath through the delicate dance of paper pinwheels. The installation features a series of motorized pinwheels that respond to the user's breath, rotating randomly as air is sensed. Each exhalation brings the pinwheels to life, transforming a simple breath into a visual representation of presence and movement. This project offers a reflection on the subtle impact we have on our surroundings, with each breath leaving its mark, no matter how fleeting.

Thoughts is an interactive visualization created for the Aura breathing sensor, where users' breath directly influences the movement of chaotic, erratic circles. As participants take deep breaths, the swirling patterns gradually slow and settle, mirroring the calming effect of mindful breathing. This installation highlights the connection between breath and mental state, transforming an invisible act into a soothing visual experience that encourages relaxation and self-awareness.

To capture the essence of Aura's design, I collaborated with Keaton LoCicero to create high-quality renderings of the object. These detailed visualizations focus on the form and structure of the sensor, highlighting its sleek design and functionality, providing a clear representation of the final product.