Particles

This is my second experiment using the Processing environment, based on Java. This little application was developed to get a better understanding of object oriented programming (OOP) and the concept of classes and arrays. The source code of the applet is avaliable, check below for the link.

See also the elasticity experiment

Interaction

The small Java applet generates 500 individual particles that will bounce around, each with different alpha values. Using the mouse and the red dot, you can collect all of the small particles. However, moving the mouse too fast will release all the particles. Move the mouse slowly around (or simply wait...) and when enough particles have been collected, move the mouse quickly. The particles will be released as if it were an explosion.

[ x ]  Click image to load the applet

Functionality

This small applet was developed as part of a course introducing the concepts of programming and interface design. Not having a formal background in programming Processing is easy to learn and quick to understand. Obviously, some experience with ActionScript, Java and PHP was useful in grasping the concepts quickly. Processing is a powerful tool for designers, to quickly program interactive digital media applets.

Related: Music and Memory project