This virtual reality app requires the use of a VR Headset connected to a PC, a mounted Leap Motion Controller or Stereo IR 170 (using the VR Developer Mount or unofficial alternative), and the Ultraleap Gemini (V5) software.
How can combinations of four simple rules result in complex and lifelike behavior at scale? Particles is an interactive 3D simulation of this question – letting you interactively explore the emergent behaviors of that stem from basic mechanics. It’s fun, experimental, and may give a new perspective on the the rigid underpinnings of everything from atoms to cell life and celestial movements.
In building Particles, we were inspired by Clusters by Jeffrey Ventrella, a 2D simulation which uses a unique algorithm that gives life-like behaviors to particle systems. We believe that exploration, experimentation, and manipulation are all essential when it comes to education and building knowledge about the world.
The basic interface for Particles, “Simple Mode,” is just one panel that gives you exploratory control to randomize the rules of the simulation and change the number of “species” to discover new emergent behaviors or organisms. In advanced mode, you’re given a full control panel with the ability to alter the display and simulation, load pre-created ecosystems, view the ruleset of the simulation, and more.