Spectrum
Speculative Design
1.5m**1.5m*0.8m
NoPlug Lab
Zeng jiaxun
Huang Yu
Zhang yuning
Zeng jiaxun
Huang Yu
Zhang yuning
/Audio Detection
/Artificial Intelligent
/Robotic Arms
/Magnetic Powder
/Artificial Intelligent
/Robotic Arms
/Magnetic Powder
Through interaction, the audience activates the NOEMA system—a visualized symbol language of consciousness—to receive special responses from “future beings.” These symbols serve both as traces of dialogue and as expressions of thought that transcend linguistic logic, presenting a new mode of communication beyond human language.
Integrating mechanical motion, symbolic language, and bodily response, the work reconstructs traditional communication frameworks and simulates post-human modes of exchange. In the continuous cycle of generation and feedback, it invites reflection on future life forms, perceptual boundaries, and the evolution of consciousnes.
“What if it has body without organs?”
This question became the starting point for constructing the fictional world behind our project.
describe how the world is
“In the future, if humans lose traditional vocal organs and grammatical structures, how might we still communicate?”
Inspired by Deleuze’s concept of the Body without Organs, I sought to create a visual communication system that is non-linear, generative, and fluid.
At its core lies a process of semantic translation. When users interact with the installation using natural language, the AI does not return text, but instead deconstructs the response into three semantic dimensions: Speech Act Type, Sentiment Polarity, and Intensity of Expression.
Each of these dimensions maps to visual components:base shapes, line curvature, and morphological intensity.
These labels are then translated into a visual language built from five “unit forms,”which function like symbolic alphabets—modular, recombinable, and open-ended.
Each generated symbol is finally translated into mechanical control parameters, allowing robotic arms to draw the form in real time—completing a non-verbal, responsive dialogue.
Beyond the physical appearance of the installation, what we truly focused on was the expression of “communication” itself. A key challenge was how to convey a sense of flow while embodying the philosophy of the “Body without Organs.” We experimented with various materials—such as water, oil, digital screens. Eventually, we discovered an intriguing technique from nail beauty: magnetic powder shaping, where patterns are formed by manipulating powder through magnetic force. This opened up new possibilities for our expression.
This material creates a beautiful halo effect under lighting—fluid and mysterious. After addressing the challenge of expression, we began developing a system using robotic arms to control the movement and transformation of the patterns.
Our initial idea was for users to engage in dialogue with the installation. The input would be translated into text, then classified by an AI model and matched with our custom-designed language system. Each matched symbol would correspond to a pre-designed visual form, which would then be translated into the movement of the robotic arms.
Still, the outcome was positive. The work was successfully shown at SUSTech and SZTU, and will be exhibited at Dutch Design Week and the Shenzhen-Hong Kong Biennale this year.
This project is still ongoing. In the future, I plan to integrate artificial intelligence to further develop the language system, making this imagined world more complete and immersive for audience exploration.