T-Dancer
Touch Designer
Product Development
A Motion-Capture powered experience to learn dance through active feedback.
Project Type: Product Development & Motion Tracking
Role: Creative Director & Developer
Tools: TouchDesigner, MediaPipe, Mximo
Duration: Q3 2024
Strategy
UI/UX
Prototyping
Research
Design systems
Overview
TDancer is an experience created to help users learn how to dance through motion tracking, which provides feedback on accuracy. While it doesn’t teach the dance itself, it facilitates an environment in which the user can learn through real-time feedback.
Problem and Solution
Problem
Solution
People want to learn dance
with freedom and privacy.
For those who want to learn dance, but prioritize privacy and the freedom to succeed or fail in their personal space, it can become difficult to do so without an instructor present.
"
Systems thinking
Developer-friendly
Clear process
Fast execution
Thoughtful feedback
Smooth handoff
Technology
Platforms and Tools
Upon evaluating potential tools to execute the experience,
I chose TouchDesigner and MediaPipe as the best tools to drive the experience.
Tech Ideation
Technology Affordances
Compared two technologies to determine
which would most effectively enhance user experience, performance,
and scalability — grounding the final choice in research and strategic alignment.
Technology Research Methods
Tech Learning Process & Methodology
Considering my lack of familiarity with TouchDesigner, I designed
a method by which I can further learn the tool within the given timeframe (1 month).
Project Plan & Task Breakdown
Planning & Execution
Upon learning the tool, I developed a plan by which I can execute the project -
A step by step guide to the technical elements required for the product to function as envisioned.
Challeneges
Roadblocks of the Initial Product
Upon beginning initial development, I evaluated what worked and didn't work.
What challenges I faced. What needed to be changed.
Navigating Roadblocks
In the same manner, I determined potential solutions
to overcome those challenges, targeting each of the above roadblocks.
Iteration Methods
User Testing
Upon improvements, in it's wireframe, low-fidelity stage, I tested the product on target users
to determine which elements they valued and were best to invest time to refine and improve.
How it works
User Flow
Based on feedback, I established the finalized user flow
which encompasses all of the values I observed from the target users.
Materials
Equipment List
Considering T-Dancer requires various tools and materials,
I created a document which encompasses the required equipment for ease of access.
Backend Flow
System Diagram & Operation Instructions
As a means to ensure the product can work anywhere,
I developed a system diagram in conjunction with operation instructions,
This way, the product can work as intended, even if others without familiarity load it.
See it in Action
High Fidelity Prototype
Lastly, I developed a high-fidelity prototype which encompasses each of the elements.
Due to Touch Designer allowing only editable links, I've provided documentation of the experience in action!
Anonymous Student
UT Austin IMS Student
I had so much fun! It feels low-stakes - I feel free when I do the dances. I can do this in private while still getting feedback on my performance - I really value that.
"
Matthew Eastin
Director of Moody College of Communications
I can see this as part of a dance or zumba class - you learn the moves beforehand and come in person perform. It's a great opportunity to learn with freedom and not worry about how others see you in the process.
"
Looking Ahead
Future Iterations
In recognizing areas which could be iterated on,
I examined all of the elements within T-Dancer and created a structured list of
specific points which might be of benefit.
