Fermi Paradox

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Vimeo - Fermi Paradox - Exhibition

Two possibilities exist: Either we are alone in the universe or we are not. Both are equally terrifying.

Arthur C. Clarke

The Fermi paradox addresses this fundamental question: “Are we humans the only technologically advanced civilization in the universe?”

Because of the sheer infinite number of planets, it is assumed that extraterrestrial life exists. But why haven't we discovered any, and why haven't we been contacted? This simple but profound question was the inspiration for this exhibition.

Concept

The exhibition is a journey through the universe. This journey is presented on the central element, the shift screen, a horizontally movable screen. Along the journey, several stations explain the Fermi paradox step by step.

Fermi Paradox exhibition setup with three monitors in the background and a movable shift screen in the foreground.

The journey through the universe fades into the background when a station is encountered. Now the station can be explored using the control panel. When a station is approached, it is unlocked by an iOS-like “slide to unlock” effect.

Structure

With a shift screen, it is possible to naturally place pieces of information in physical locations. Furthermore, the shift screen avoids confusion about which controls can be used to navigate between stations and which can be used to interact within stations.

Station 1 - Civilizations

The first station shows how many civilizations should theoretically exist in our galaxy alone. We start with the number of all planets in our galaxy. Now the visitor can explore how this number changes when different conditions for life are met.

Station 1 of the exhibit, where the shift screen displays the number of possible civilizations, with a description of factors presented on the monitor.

Station 2 - Energy Consumption

Station 2 illustrates the different types of civilization. This is done based on their energy consumption. This classification is based on the Kardashev scale. The enormous energy consumption of highly developed civilizations can be explored with a slider on the control panel.

Station 2 of the exhibit, where the shift screen displays the energy consumption of different types of civilizations, with more information on the selected civilization type presented on the monitor.

Station 3 - Paradox Explanations

The last station discusses some possible explanations for the Fermi paradox. The examples are intended to stimulate reflection on the limits and the future of humanity.

Station 3 of the exhibit, where the shift screen poses the question 'Why haven't we found them yet?' with possible explanations presented on the monitor.

Technical Implementation

Two iMacs were used, each of which served two of the four screens. Each screen had an application running in full-screen mode. The application running on the shift screen provided the other applications with the data needed to update their visualizations. The communication between the applications was done via multicast. The apps are written in Swift and use SpriteKit as the graphics framework. An Arduino was used to receive input from the buttons and the motorized slider and to control the LEDs on the control panel. An ordinary mouse was used to determine the horizontal position of the shift screen.

Physical structure of the Fermi Paradox exhibit, including computer and audio equipment.
Close-up of the shift screen in the Fermi Paradox exhibit, revealing some of the wiring and technical components.

This project was part of my interaction design studies at HfG Schwäbisch Gmünd.
Together with Daniel Keller, 4th semester, “Interaktive Kommunikationssysteme II”.
Advisor: Prof. Jens Döring, Julia Stäbler