I am the creative technologist for Light Years Apart, iterating across multiple tools and ultimately building the website for the final version of the interactive film. My primary goal was to ensure that technology seamlessly supported — rather than overshadowed — the artistic vision. I approached the technical side as a form of ambience, integrating interactive elements so subtly that the audience could fully immerse themselves in the story without sensing the underlying systems.

At first, I experimented with existing interactive tools such as Isadora and TouchDesigner. Later, to ensure the work’s stability, longevity, and coherence, I transitioned to a fully custom-built web experience. I am also proud of the extra steps taken to support diversity and inclusiveness, including iterations on the computer vision model, refinements to the rendering infrastructure to protect audience identity, and thoughtful system design for neurodiverse users. The project embodies the philosophy of calm technology, where interaction feels ambient and human, and technology itself disappears into the emotional fabric of the story. In this work, technology exists not as a spectacle but as a quiet enabler of artistic expression and storytelling.

This was a long and challenging project. I am proud that, despite numerous obstacles — including the pandemic — we were able to build a high-quality, enduring piece rather than settling for a temporary or incomplete version. Collaborating with the artist and witnessing the evolution of the work from concept to realization has been a deeply rewarding learning experience, strengthening my belief in the delicate harmony between art and technology.