The Circle of Power aims to emphasize the ritual of charging mobile devices. Analog to a séance, an attempt to get in touch with ghosts or spirits, the table serves as a medium where visitors step out of the digital world and get into social interaction.
The interactive table attracts visitors by providing eight places to sit down and charge mobile devices. Each station is equipped with two metal plates, an Arduino circuit and a cable with the most common connectors: Lightning, USB-C and Micro-USB.
In order to charge a device the visitor is taken into the circuit of charging. The metal plates act as a switch that triggers charging. Current is not running through the visitors body.
Only when both hands are placed on the metal plates will the device charge. This way, the visitors’ hands are detached from their devices and bound to the table, unable to control the device. When the circle is closed, the charging ritual is highlighted by ascending smoke and flickering lights. This hands on installation questions digital addiction while giving space for conversation.
2019 | @Metamarathon, NRW Forum, Düsseldorf
Teamed up with: Kjell Wistoff
Photo: Hanna Freres
Photos: Katja Illner
