In the summer of 2024, while working at the USC Iovine and Young Academy’s Extended Reality (XR) Lab, graduate student Freddy Janney saw an opportunity to bring one of the interactive prototypes from PhenomenArts, Inc. — an interactive design firm based in Los Angeles that he was concurrently working at — into a new context for user research. Janney’s initial goal was to better understand user experience through motion-based interaction, specifically exploring how light and sound feedback influence engagement and behavior. What began as a focused research inquiry quickly evolved into something broader, ultimately revealing a new standalone, commercial use case for the prototype. 

“LightShadow:Studio” is a compact interactive sound-and-light system designed for intuitive, full-body engagement in public environments. Unlike traditional interfaces, it requires no instructions or onboarding. Users simply approach, move, and receive immediate audiovisual feedback. To better understand how people naturally interact with this type of system, user research was conducted at the Academy through real-world observation. By allowing individuals to engage freely, without prompts or guidance, the study captured authentic behavior. Focusing on how users discovered, interpreted, and responded to the installation. 

LightShadow Demo

The results revealed a powerful and consistent pattern: users engaged almost immediately, often within seconds, guided solely by the installation’s physical presence and responsive feedback loops. This “zero onboarding” interaction demonstrated the strength of intuitive design in inviting spontaneous participation. Rather than needing to be taught, the system communicated its function through experience itself, lowering barriers to entry and encouraging playful exploration across a wide range of users. 

Beyond engagement, the research surfaced an unexpected and compelling dimension for the prototype: wellness. Many users described the experience as calming, immersive, and grounding. In one notable instance, an individual independently returned to the installation during a moment of heightened anxiety, using the interaction as a form of self-soothing. These responses pointed to the installation’s potential as a tool for emotional regulation — offering low-pressure, self-directed sensory engagement that requires no performance, skill, or cognitive load. 

This discovery marked a meaningful shift in perspective for PhenomenArts, Inc. Historically, the firm’s interactive work had existed at large architectural scales, with installations featured in major airports such as Miami and Boston, urban centers including New York City and Zaragoza, and global music festivals like Coachella, Glastonbury, and Bonnaroo. Identifying a compelling use case for a smaller, more intimate system introduced a new strategic direction, one that expanded the role of interactive design into healthcare and wellness environments. 

Based on these insights, the first permanent LightShadow:Studio installation was commissioned for a children’s hospital outside Boston, Massachusetts. There, the system now supports emotional calming and stress reduction, encourages patient engagement and positive distraction, and creates meaningful moments for pediatric patients and their families. The project stands as a clear example of how research-driven design can translate into real-world impact, extending beyond entertainment into human-centered care. 

PhenomenArts, Inc., led by artist and composer Christopher Janney, has been at the forefront of interactive art, architecture, and sound design for over 40 years. This latest work continues that legacy while opening new pathways for innovation. The team extends its gratitude to the Iovine and Young Academy community for providing a space where exploration, research, and creativity can lead to unexpected and meaningful outcomes. 

For more more information, please feel free to reach out to Freddy and/or PhenomenArts, Inc. at fjanney87@gmail.com.

LightShadow Studio: Interactive Art in Wellness Spaces