Sentient Sky

August 2018

Virtual reality, computer, smartphone, code

I

Sentient Sky provides players an innovative way to explore WordNet, a lexicon database, in a 3D virtual environment. It enables players to "chat" with a computer in a limited but meaningful manner.

For example, if you are curious about what pterocnemia means, you can drag the 3D cursor to the sphere under pterocnemia, and the computer will tell you its definition through text-to-speech.

See it live! Here are some words to start with: pterocnemia | calling | purpose | love. Or you can start with a random word.

II

NOTE! If you use Google Chrome, you can talk to the computer with your voice as Google Chrome supports the Web Speech API. However, if you use other browsers, you can still interact with the program through dragging the 3D cursor.

III

I was wondering if I could create an artwork that I can interact with when I have no company. It needs to respond to me emotionally. As weird as it might sound, reading the definition of words actually cheers you up!

IV

Sentient Sky has a mobile version you can play with while lying on your back. I invite you to give it a try!

Experience it on your phone while lying on your back! Here are some words to start with: pterocnemia | calling | purpose | love. Or you can start with a random word.

Sentient Sky offers players a unique way to explore WordNet in a 3D virtual environment. It allows players to interact with a computer program in a limited but meaningful manner. For instance, if you're interested in the meaning of a word like "art," you can move the 3D cursor to the sphere, and the computer will provide the definition through text-to-speech. If you're using Chrome, you can simply press Enter on your keyboard and say, "Please define art" without needing to move the 3D cursor. I'm considering creating an interactive artwork that can respond to me emotionally for times when I'm alone. It may sound strange, but reading word definitions can be uplifting! Additionally, Sentient Sky has a mobile version that can be played while lying down.