juliana Serna Mesa
design & technology MFA
Parsons School of Design
Specialisms: Design and Technology / Product Design / Industrial Design
Location: New York, United States
juliana Serna Mesa
First Name: juliana
Last Name: Serna Mesa
Specialisms: Design and Technology / Product Design / Industrial Design
Sectors:
My Location: New York, United States
University / College: Parsons School of Design
Course / Program Title: design & technology MFA
About
Juliana is a Colombian designer based in NYC currently pursuing an MFA in Design & Technology at Parsons School of Design; her work ranges from physical objects to digital experiences over user interfaces. She graduated with a B.S. in Industrial Design, along with a Product Design degree, from NABA in Milano. Her interests focus on the realms of tech, user experience, haptics, and speculative design; With a particular emphasis on promoting well-being, providing care, leveraging product affordances, harnessing ambient computing technologies, and fostering human interaction.
An interactive art installation that captures the unique EEG brain waves of participants and transforms them into a personalized 3D digital sculpture. Neural Expressions encodes electroencephalogram (EEG) signals from a Muse headband (Portable monitoring system) that is commercially available for meditation. Along with Mind Monitor, EEG raw data is streamed to TouchDesigner in real-time (via native OSC). Alternatively, pre-recorded data can be fed into the pipeline using a Phyton script. From raw data Alpha, Beta, and Gamma waves are quantified into their characteristics – period, amplitude, and harmonics – which are encoded into the 3D digital sculpture and dynamically following the user’s brain waves. Hence, the experience entangles the signals of a brain while delivering an abstract representation of itself. Bio-data has always captivated me, as it offers a distinctive and personalized means of identifying and understanding individuals. Unlike conventional forms of identification like names or birthdates, bio-data is intrinsic to each person and can not be replicated or altered. Consequently, Neural Expressions serve as interactive media to visually represent the beautiful intersection between brain stimulus, human data, and the relationship between the body and art.
Aura envisions a future method of interacting with our health data, involving our senses in subtle physical micro-interactions. These interactions seamlessly convey information through gentle motions, creating a natural and unobtrusive way of sharing electrocardiogram vital insights. I aim to translate medical health information to the core of basic motion interactions, embedding non-invasive notifications that inform, but do not demand focus.
Competitions
Global Design Graduate Show 2023
BRUTAL is a concrete lighting exploration inspired by the principles of Brutalist Architecture. The project showcases a collection of geometric blocks made of polished concrete and Arduino sensors, seamlessly arranged in various configurations to generate light and create a unique ambiance experience while complementing the existing living space.