Chaotic Timer

Chaotic Symmetry in a Stress-Driven Timer

Chaotic Timer, 2021

255x175x700 mm

aluminium, steel, 3D print parts, neodymium, plexiglass, LCD, encoder, custom electronics

Chaotic Timer is an interactive and algorithmic timer driven by the user’s stress level. The timer subverts the conventional way of using the timer and the idea of perfectionism and occupied daily routines.  The device consists of four oscillating modules that alter the ways to countdown by manifesting chaotic symmetry through transitioning from chaotic dynamics to synchronized sine-wave motions over time. The neodymium beads that roll inside each swinging module act as a pendulum bob in periodic motion. It swings back and forth and is constantly on the verge of falling off the edge of the concave plate but never does, inducing the watcher’s anxiety and pressure- a symbol of people’s feelings towards daily duties. 

As the person watches the four modules, the kinetic motion becomes more synchronized over time. Further, the countdown speed depends on the stress level of the user- the higher the stress level, the slower it counts down, giving the person a long time to break out of their daily routine by watching the modules come into synchronization. The four modules begin with random jiggling motions attributed to Perlin noises and slowly adjust themselves into a synchronized wave motion as it approaches the end of the timer. Ultimately, the timer manifests a coexistence of chaotic disorder and orderly pattern.