Brief:
Design a universal device to capture macro photography and video, while allowing the user to remain immersed in the real world.
WWU ID Senior Class Collaboration with Microsoft
The Goal:
To invent a macro camera designed for discovery.
Kilo Vision
“Kilo” means to watch, observe, examine, and focus.
Kilo also references a Hawaiian observation approach during which practioners focus on the less obvious, more subtle things in their environment. Kilo practice in the modern world creates a means for individuals, and communities as a whole, to gain knowledge and wisdom that enables better management of natural resources – in any place.
Macro photography is close up photography of small subjects, in worlds we only imagine existing in.
This medium of picture taking allows for a whole new scope of visual storytelling, immersive experiences, and forms of artworks that have begun to shape a new era of perspective.
It also brings with it a chance to explore philosophy, life lessons, and teachings for us to observe and learn.
Diving into new environments never encountered.
Discovering hidden worlds at the palm of your hand.
Images created by Midjourney AI.
Coming Closer
DUCKWRTH, Julia Romana, G.L.A.M
https://open.spotify.com/track/238p3EKRYESqsZdgE5DCDR?si=8b9ed7b90eb94851
Kemanini'nakilo'āina
The small observation of land.
Simple Interaction
There is no screen for operating Kilo, it is intended to be a viewfinder-only experience.
Kilo uses direct eye tracking to focus automatically on the subject.
There are three settings: Camera, Video, and powering off.
Creating a longer lense.
A high depth-of field macro lense designed for close-up shooting with maximum magnification of 2:1, shooting at 24 mm and measured on 12 inches.
Look below the surface.
The front of the lens is water-resistant, allowing you the capability to be able to film or capture below water’s surface or in dusty environments.
Kilo uses a tactile dial, with the capture button located in the middle. Going back to when zooming in used to be circular, and allows for the hand to be able to zoom in and out by being guided.
Zoom in and Capture.
Opaque Light Diffuser
For closer encounters, you can use the diffuser for filtered lighting and telescopic experience parallel to using a magnifying glass.
Best images upload to photos.
AI integrated within the system optimizes and deletes photo duplicates due to machine learning technology, which will recognize over time the user’s preferences and aesthetics for personal collection.
Inspired by Teachings + Family.
Within our class, we were prompted to design with photography in mind. I had been thinking of the philosophies of returning to nature in the context of Indigenous practicum, and had been inspired by my mother’s passion for macro photography.
I wanted to reconnect with my own roots and explore how I could invent an object based within Indigenous Research Methods, while also being able reconnect with a part of my heart that had been removed for awhile.
Being a Hula dancer and member of a hālau for many years of childhood, I quit due to wanting to prioritize school without being able to balance, not realizing how unbalanced I still was with time for passions being replaced for time to primarily work.
Sometimes we forget that we are allowed to slow down and look at the little things in life, and balance within the selves starts with the relationships we have with nature and the land. This project was an exploration of how we can better foster our connection with nature in a non-invasive form.
Interviews and Reflections.
I went to speak to students and adults about their relationship with nature. This project was in collaboration to the research and findings learned in Indigenous Research and Writing methods as a course at my university, and then I spoke to many individuals about their connections with nature.
Inspirations: Sun Ra, Circles, Telescopes.
Key Words:
Telescopic Imaginative Durable
Aloha 4 All, provided by Brandon Roman
Within this presentation it is important to disclaim that the project is based within healing through nature as a practice, not about indigenous connection with the Pacific Northwest lands, particularly with the Pacific Islander community. Many who are in non-pasifika regions are displaced and were not asked to settle here. Brandon Roman provided a source to read more about the history of Hawaii’s land origins.
Red Pedagogy, Sandy Grande
Red Pedagogy: Native American Social and Political Thought, exposed the limitations of a critical-educational theory that does not take the histories and concerns of Indigenous populations into account. It is with encouragement that if you want to listen to the voices of the peoples, to start by taking the time to read this book.
Stop Willow
America’s Western Arctic represents one of the most important fronts in the fight against climate change. Also known as the National Petroleum Reserve—Alaska, this 23-million-acre expansive wilderness is home to abundant wildlife and Indigenous communities who’ve thrived in the region for thousands of years.
Thank You.
It takes time and energy for others to share their stories in a world in which Indigenous voices are often ignored.
Thank you to Favio Guzman, Brandon Roman, Danielle Marahan, Erica Antonio, and Meilani Wilson for your time and energy. Thank you to Brandon Joseph for your lessons.
Additional thank you to those who had spoken in interviews. Frank, Teresa, Ana Sofía, and more.
Thank you to my mother.
