Richard Grover's Projection Mapping

Projection Mapping with

Richard Grover

We sat down with Richard Grover to chat about what got him into projection mapping and how he uses it to turn ordinary spaces into immersive visual experiences. Prefer watching instead of reading? You can catch the full interview on our socials.

                             

Q: What is projection mapping?

A: Projection mapping involves using a projector to shine images or animations onto objects or surfaces in a specific way so it can line up and react to the surrounding environment.

Q: How did you first get involved with projection mapping?

A: This project was my first real opportunity to work with projection mapping, though I’d seen it used at amusement parks and always wanted to try it myself.

Q: What has been your favorite projection mapping project so far?

A: My favorite project was one created for the largest aquarium in the state. We made a game that lets people summon bubbles with their hands to clean trash out of a fish tank. We tested that with guests and kids absolutely loved it. That’s my favorite project.

Q: What technical challenges did you face?

A: It’s very difficult to make something react to people so quickly. It actually runs at 60 frames per second, which means that the time it takes to see a person on the ground to shining an image on the ground is less than 16 milliseconds. It took a lot of engineering work to get it that fast.

Q: What are your goals for the future of projection mapping?

A: My goal is to develop full games people can play on the sidewalk. Imagine walking by and joining a tower defense or rhythm game outdoors. I want to create games that encourage physical activity and social interaction. To me it’s the ultimate form of entertainment.

Q: What is the most rewarding part of making these experiences?

A: You know, when you make something and you spend so much time perfecting it to every detail and every animation, the best payoff is when you see people use it. When you see it light up their face, especially if it’s a group of kids, that’s very hard to beat. It’s part of what it is to be an experience maker. To have this vision in your head of what everything is going to look like at the end, to finally seeing that come to life and witness other people enjoying it, is the best payoff.