CONVERSATION TABLE >
Visual representation of conversational dynamics
SPONSORED IN PART BY GRANT FROM THE MIT COUNCIL FOR THE ARTS, 2005

Project advisor Professor Chris Csikszentmihályi [Computing Culture Group]


LEFT photo by Kate Kunath 2005 | RIGHT video grab by Lira

This project is reflection on a type of social dynamics that takes place at tables during conversations. Who dominates the conversation?

Two people, seated at each end of the table, converse. As they converse, light emitting diodes (LEDs), embedded along the center of the table, are activated by their pattern of conversation. Two microphones pick up the duration and the volume of the conversation at regular intervals, and trigger light animation from the end where one speaks toward the other. If both people speak simultaneously, the lights start animating from both ends.

The table doesn't parse nor "understand" the nature of the discourse, rather it isolates and brings forward one specific component of interaction at tables.



PHOTOS by Kate Kunath 2005

The table is made of ½ inch honeycomb cardboard and is completely dry mount (no adhesive is used). All joints and connections are fastened with metal corner braces (purchased at Home Depot), washers and screws. The electronics consist of micro-controller, two microphones with amplifiers and bandpass filters, and 12 ultra-bright LEDs.



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PHOTOS by Kate Kunath 2005
IN THE PHOTOS: Kelly DOBSON, Susanne SETTINGER and Gemma SHUSTERMAN at the conversation table.