Derek Olson

software designer and developer
I design and build unique interactive experiences.

ABOUT ME

DreamBank

An interactive kiosk for American Family Insurance’s new flagship “DreamBank” location in Madison, Wisconsin. Built on Adobe AIR and the Starling framework, the software controls several high-performance particle systems and manages the playback of custom high-definition motion graphics.

Typeforce 3

“Turned On”, a collaborative project, is an interactive neon sculpture that was featured in Typeforce 3 - an annual typographic art show in Chicago. It is powered by an Arduino, ultra-sonic distance sensors, and custom fabricated servos that control a neon dimmer module. As you approach the piece it glows brighter while emitting satisfying mechanical sounds. More on this project here.

Close-up of white neon letter X Installation parts, servos and controllers Close-up of servo controlled neon dimmer White neon X with viewer in front of it Wide-view of entire typeforce XXX installation

Let's Merge

A live twitter feed, keynote announcer, and interactive sound visualizer all rolled into one. This project was created for “Let’s Merge”, a social mixer for those in the creative field throughout Chicago. Its custom particle systems and feeds were built in Processing and had the ability to be controlled remotely over OSC.

Star Studio

Star Studio is an interactive photobooth concept that initially launched at shopping malls throughout California. We faced enormous challenges in integrating all the various systems, including a DSLR camera, photo printers, payment systems, digital signage, effect lighting, and two multi-touch photo editing stations. Built on Adobe AIR and PixelBender, I was tasked with building and integrating the editing stations, as well as developing the final chroma key / green screen implementation.

McDonald's Spinart

A physics-based paint engine built with AS3 to promote a new line of McCafe fruit smoothies. A custom rendering engine allowed users to add as much paint as they desired, without sacrificing performance.

Multi-color McDonalds spin art demonstration Multi-color McDonalds spin art variation Multi-color McDonalds spin art variation

Chicago Creative Club Awards

Custom-built real-time motion graphics system created for the Chicago Creative Club Awards show, programmed entirely with Processing. The system utilized a database, allowing for fast and easy changes to the content without the need to render any video files. More at Mode Project.

Blue name cluster for Interactive category Red name cluster visualization Green animated title for Innovative Marketing category

Project:32

An experimental project in generative art and design. Process of hacking into a toy slot car set and capturing its data stream to create an interactive art installation. Built with Processing. Check out my R&D blog here.

Modified slot car set Close-up of micro-controller interface
 

About Me

I am a software designer and developer who is fueled by unique and challenging problems. I aim to fuse art and design with electronics, code, sensors, wires, and solder.

Over the last twelve years, I have been recruited to produce work for outstanding digital shops around Chicago. I currently work as a software design lead at IDEO, helping to dream up and prototype new products and experiences for companies around the world. In my downtime, I aspire to create magic by joining forces with amazing artists, designers, and developers throughout the country. I am always seeking new challenges and collaborations.

You can find me elsewhere on the web: follow me on Twitter, browse my open-source code on GitHub, and see my professional network on LinkedIn.