Dance Performance with Technology
Exhibition Design
Expressions of Alamelu
Overview
Role
Designer & Performer
Team
Gabe, Sofia, Kathy, Cameron
Timeline
3 Weeks
Tools
Touch Designer, Figma, Projection Mapping
Outcome
75+ attendees, approved abstract for AHFE Conference July 2025
Dance Performance Preview
What is this project about?
An exhibition design project using new technology to improve cultural performances
CONTEXT
The project stemmed from a desire to merge individual thesis projects into a collaborative experience, showcasing the team’s diverse expertise. The story of Alamelumanga, rich in narrative and cultural depth, was chosen as it embodies all core elements of Kuchipudi (Indian Classical Dance form).
GOAL
Blend Kuchipudi, a traditional Indian dance with AI visuals to create an engaging, educational, and culturally authentic experience for new audiences.
PROJECT STATEMENT
We’re creating an interactive multimedia show using AI technology, presented in performance spaces, to introduce non-Indian audiences to Kuchipudi—a traditional Indian dance.
Our goal is to help understand the cultural context of the performance.
TIMELINE
Assumptions Mapping
Who are we designing for?
Conducting an assumptions mapping exercise helped us identify knowledge gaps and refine our user research focus. Through surveys (25+ participants) and interviews (10+ users), we gathered insights to define our target audience.
Audience perspective on tech integration in cultural performances
“I don’t really know but I guess the idea behind this form of mixing cultural performance and technology is interesting. Now I would want to see that.”
“Being able to add to the storytelling experience through use of imagery, sights, motions.”
Target User Persona
Meet Steve,
our cultural enthusiast who loves to learn about various cultures attending traditional performances
Many of our interviewees like Steve expressed similar pain points
• Feeling of being an outsider
• No context of the performance is provided
• Long duration of the performance
• Technology distraction
After pulling insights from our user research, we created a challenge statement which helped us define our WHO, WHAT and WHY. This allowed us to start our moodboard, flyers, and technical implementation for the performance space.
How might we…
design a performance that engages the senses and educates cultural enthusiasts through story telling, incorporating technology that enhances the performance and increase accessibility to the culture ?
Who are we designing for?
Cultural Enthusiasts
A cultural performance enhanced with AI visuals that is not overpowering the actual performance
What are we designing?
A cultural performance enhanced with AI visuals that is not overpowering the actual performance
Why are we designing a cultural performance?
To enhance access to a culture and provide an enriching educational experience for interested audiences.
For a successful performance, we designed the exhibit adressing to the pain points we learned through our user research.
And ofcourse, we had our own set of challenges
Challenge? Time & Hurdles!
We managed this project independently while juggling coursework and other commitments, completing it in just three weeks. With no budget, we relied on support from friends, mentors, and the Design department for space and resources.
How did we overcome it? Communication!
Resourcefulness, strong communication, and careful planning helped us navigate challenges. By sticking to a structured design process, we managed constraints and learned the value of teamwork and adaptability in real-world projects.
What were the audience saying? We conducted a short post-performance survey
1 Day Exhibition, 3 Performances, 75+ Design Community Audience
Audience Engagement:
Post-performance surveys revealed high satisfaction with the AI visuals, noting that it made the performance accessible and educational.
Participants appreciated the blend of tradition and modernity, with many expressing newfound interest in Kuchipudi.
Cultural Impact:
Helped demystify a traditional Indian art form for non-Indian audiences. Reinforced the importance of preserving cultural authenticity while innovating.
Recognition:
Praised for demonstrating how design and technology can enrich cultural storytelling.
KEY TAKEAWAYS & LESSONS
COLLABORATIVE DESIGN
The success of this project highlights the value of integrating diverse expertise, from cultural knowledge to technological skills.
EMPATHY & ACCESSIBILITY
Human-centered design ensured that technology served as a bridge, not a barrier, to understanding.
RESOURCEFULNESS
Demonstrated that impactful designs can emerge even with limited time and resources, given clear goals and strong communication.