Zyklodeon: a software construction kit modeling cyclic timing patterns

Abstract

Zyklodeon is a software construction kit in which Players create colorful Dancers and set them into motion. Dancers' appearances are inspired by Picasso's post-Cubist works, and movements are inspired by Martha Graham's emphasis on the torso as life center. The figures breathe visibly and move gracefully as they encounter other Dancers. Zyklodeon Players construct the figures and set parameters for their movements, thus experimenting with time cycles and notions of emergence in dynamic systems. Our design challenge is to make such complex relationships accessible through coordination of image and sound. We illustrate Dancers' movements as well as measures for breathing and dancing cycles. Graphical communication of key moments in the cycles is augmented by triggering of sounds that combine to form lively music.