In the installation FaceType, visitors experience the emotion, cadence, and emphasis in their speech in vivid generated type. FaceType connects our facial expression with Chinese calligraphy, using dynamic emotional changes as a common point between these strangely different means of expression.

Letter shape, brush stroke, spacing and speed as to perform “data-ink” reflecting audience speech in a live process. Intuitive mapping of these factors were developed for a non-Western audience in mind, one versed with understanding of how calligraphy is used for expression. The strokes of the font were developed in collaboration with Chinese calligraphers, whose work often incorporates emotion-laden brush strokes.

Letter shape, brush stroke, spacing and speed as to perform “data-ink” reflecting audience speech in a live process. Intuitive mapping of these factors were developed for a non-Western audience in mind, one versed with understanding of how calligraphy is used for expression. The strokes of the font were developed in collaboration with Chinese calligraphers, whose work often incorporates emotion-laden brush strokes.

During the installation showing, nearly half of the audience interacted with the work through the microphone and camera. 

 FaceType takes the emotional intensity and valence of facial expressions as well as the emphasis and cadence in visitor speech to “write” animated strokes documenting their spoken expression.

During the installation showing, nearly half of the audience interacted with the work through the microphone and camera. FaceType takes the emotional intensity and valence of facial expressions as well as the emphasis and cadence in visitor speech to “write” animated strokes documenting their spoken expression.

Intuitive use by inexperienced users. 

Presented at SIGGRAPH and exhibited at the IEEE VIS Arts Program, FaceType is held in the collection of Tsinghua University School of Arts and Design Museum.