Digital Culture & AudioVisual Challenges

Title: Path of Life: A Multisensory Interactive Installation Exploring the Passage of Time

Authors:
Miltiadis Koustas, Institute for Games Research (IGR), Ionian University, Corfu, Greece, miltoskoustas@gmail.com

Angelos Floros, Assistant Professor (Tenured), Department of Audio and Visual Arts, Ionian University, Corfu, Greece, angelos.f@ionio.gr

Ioannis Deliyannis, Institute for Games Research (IGR), Ionian University, Corfu, Greece, yiannis@ionio.gr

Abstract Multisensory interactive installations that explore the passage of time, offer unique opportunities to engage audiences by combining visual, auditory, and other sensory elements. This installation can provide an immersive experience that allows participants to perceive and interact with temporal changes in innovative ways. This paper presents Path of Life, an innovative interactive installation that allows participants to experience the passage of time through sound. The installation translates movement into an evolving auditory and visual experience, mapping each step forward to a new stage of life. Using LiDAR technology for position tracking, a Raspberry Pi for data processing, and a curated library of age-specific soundscapes, the project immerses users in a deeply personal reflection on aging and temporality. By combining art and technology, the installation introduces novel interaction mechanics, enhances audience engagement, and contributes to research on multisensory experiences in digital art. Visitors are guided to walk through a spectrum of life moments, heightening their awareness of each transition as they explore the installation's immersive environment.

Keywords: Interactive Art, Soundscapes, Digital Installation, User Experience, LiDAR Technology, Time Perception, Computational Art

1. Introduction Time visualization in interactive art merges technology and creativity to examine how we perceive time. Path of Life harnesses sound and motion to immerse visitors in the experience of aging, allowing them to traverse different life stages simply by moving through the space. By eliminating external controls, it remains both accessible and deeply intuitive.

This paper details the design process, implementation, and significance of Path of Life, highlighting its innovative use of technology to create an emotionally resonant and unique user experience. The project contributes to the growing field of interactive digital installations, demonstrating how data-driven design can enhance artistic expression and audience engagement.

2. Method

The installation operates on a simple yet profound premise: movement through the space dictates an evolving auditory and visual landscape, with each step corresponding to a different stage of life. Users begin at "birth" and progress towards "old age," experiencing soundscapes associated with different life moments, from the cries of a newborn to the quiet ticking of a clock in old age.

The system uses a Raspberry Pi to process LiDAR data that measures a visitor’s distance, establishing their “age” in real time. Each step triggers a specific soundscape from a library of 101 curated recordings, spanning everyday ambiances to synthetic compositions. Currently, a counter on a projector displays the user’s evolving age, but this will be replaced by a mechanical split-flap display for a more tactile, nostalgic effect.

3. Discussion

Path of Life stands out by turning the abstract concept of time into a tangible, interactive experience. Instead of manual controls, visitors simply move through the space, making it universaly accessible. It provokes a spectrum of emotions—nostalgia, wonder, empathy, and introspection—by immersing visitors in soundscapes tied to each life stage. As they progress, participants forge personal connections that echo their own memories or aspirations, creating a uniquely resonant emotional journey for every individual.

As LiDAR-based distance sensing is employed, it allows the installation to seamlessly translate physical proximity into a layered audiovisual experience. This approach eliminates the need for external controls or wearable devices, rendering the interactive process more intuitive and inclusive. The real-time coordination between sensor data, audio playback, and projection mapping showcases the potential of non-intrusive interfaces for immersive art, while also prompting questions about how emerging technologies can expand the boundaries of creativity without diminishing artistic subtlety.

4. Conclusion 

Path of Lifedemonstrates how interactive technology can be leveraged to create evocative, multisensory artistic experiences. By merging data-driven design with narrative depth, the installation bridges the gap between computational processes and human emotion. Future iterations could explore enhanced personalization, expanded datasets, and adaptive soundscapes to further enrich user engagement. This work stands as a testament to the potential of interactive installations in redefining storytelling, memory exploration, and user-driven narratives in digital art.

Acknowledgments 
This research was supported by the Ionian University and the MSc course offered by the Department of Audio & Visual Arts. The authors would like to express their gratitude to the Institute for Games Research (IGR) and all collaborators who contributed to the development of this project.