Tests on new fabrics have been positive, the effective combination of thin gauge synthetic variations of felt like fabrics now offers more fluid manual transitions of horizontal ripples. Being a semi transparent material it is also more sympathetic to projected light and able take oil and water based pigment that leaves open the option of exploring subtle optic patterns. 

The more tantalising news is that the creation of stable organic shapes that are distorted off the vertical axis (images below). These can vary significantly and be held in perpetuity, electricity obliging by way of an external fan. Tests using the fans inside the skirt suggests that similar forms can be recreated and produce the horizontal ripples. By placing the fan inside the skirt we hope to maintain the more finessed form we have been gaining thanks to the new fabrics. 
These have been welcome discovery's on the back of Simon and I's tests with proximity/ultra sonic sensors to inform the rpm of the previously mentioned fans motor, the Skirt should now be able to be sculpted remotely by passers by. This is key for the Flying Skirt as its noticeable that there are three types of manual users, the first set and bulk are keen to explore it and do so with care by observing how others navigate forms. The second smaller group can be a little aggressive resulting in violent and briefly enjoyable contortions. The third and smallest group is scared of touching the item all together and I have observed that without prior knowledge of the Skirts ability to deform few people are willing to engage with the item directly. 
The networked device would engage them all and creates vertical deformations that prior to the residency were only feasible through gusts of wind when the item was hung outside and as such were not stable. I hope is that this is the tipping point for networking options in the item.
Prior to my next post I will be exploring:
  • The refined location of the internal fan
  • Discover the means of revolving the direction of the internal fan
  • Integrated tests of the ultrasonic sensors 
  • Reduce the noise of the fan blade and motor
  • Produce vertical axis forms that are as vibrant as the external location of the fan
  • The exactly appropriate gauge of the Skirts new fabrics 
  • The skirt top to create a more streamlined rested shape for the entire Skirt 
Much to do!

Patrick Laing Flying Skirt light shade Crafts Council Internet of Things 1/3Patrick Laing Flying Skirt light shade Crafts Council Internet of Things 2/3Patrick Laing Flying Skirt light shade Crafts Council Internet of Things 3/3