Point Out: The Final How

What began as a fascination with the hypnotic movement of vector fields transformed into a physical embodiment of digital motion. My servo array project aimed to capture the mesmerizing flow of those internal visions that had captivated my imagination. Initially, I aspired to create something in the De Stijl tradition—geometric, bold, and structured. However, as with most creative journeys, the path from concept to creation took unexpected turns. The final artifact emerged with a more modernist sensibility, leaning into neoplasticism with minimalist expression and refined craftsmanship.

This revised timeline reflects the project as it actually happened.Major evens are noted but work was being done nearly everyday.

Fabrication Process

The materials required for the project include:

• 28 standard 180-degree positional servos
• Arduino microcontroller
• Multiple servo driver boards (expanding capacity from 2 to 16 to 28)
• Custom 3D printed miter gears
• Laser cut acrylic arrow icons
• Wooden backboard
• White paint
• Hot glue for mounting components
• High-amp power supply

I began by precisely measuring and cutting the wooden backboard to create a clean canvas for the servo array. After marking positions for each servo, I carefully drilled mounting holes using a template to ensure consistent spacing. The decision to paint the board white emerged from a desire for minimalism—allowing the motion, rather than color, to command attention.

 

The miter gears represented one of the most challenging aspects of fabrication. These custom-designed components needed to translate the rotational motion of the servos into the precise movements I envisioned. Multiple iterations were necessary as I scaled up the prototype. Each version required testing for smoothness, durability, and consistency of motion. The final design balanced strength with minimal friction, ensuring fluid movement across all 28 servo positions.

Connecting 28 servos required careful planning of the circuit layout. The Arduino coordinated with multiple driver boards to control each servo independently. Power management presented a significant challenge—ensuring stable voltage across all components while handling the considerable current draw during operation. The wiring layout was designed to be as clean as possible, reinforcing the minimalist aesthetic while maintaining functionality.

Mounting each servo required precision to maintain the geometric integrity of the array. The approach take is as follows:

1. Attach the custom 3D printed gear to each servo
2. Position and secure each servo to the backboard
3. Attach wiring to driver board and organize wires accordingly.

The servos were arranged with deliberate spacing—more open than in previous iterations, creating a sparser, more rhythmic visual composition.

The programming phase focused on developing two primary movement patterns:

1. A uniform validation sweep—where all servos move in synchronization to create a unified motion field
2. A wave pattern—where motion ripples across the array in mesmerizing sequences

Fine-tuning the timing and easing of these movements proved crucial to achieving the hypnotic quality I sought. Small adjustments to speed and acceleration dramatically affected the visual impact and emotional response to the piece.

Final testing involved running the array for extended periods to ensure mechanical stability, consistent movement, and alignment.

My initial concept drew heavily from De Stijl’s geometric precision and bold presence. However, as the project evolved, it naturally gravitated toward a more modernist, neoplastic expression. The white backboard contrasted with the mechanical elements created a minimalist canvas that emphasized motion over material. The somewhat wider spacing of servo heads than originally planned brought an unexpected lightness to the composition.

The minimalist aesthetic that emerged wasn’t entirely planned but felt right as the piece came together. The clean white panel serves as a neutral ground for the mechanical poetry of movement—allowing the eye to focus on the choreography of motion rather than static elements.

The journey from continuous servos to standard positional servos represents perhaps the most significant technical pivot. While I initially wanted to expand to a full 360-degree range. However, the need of positional accuracy found in 180-degree servos was priority range and proved crucial to achieving the precise, controlled movements that give the piece its hypnotic quality.

If I were to approach this project again, I would spend more time on component research before purchasing. The investment in continuous servos that ultimately weren’t used taught me the importance of thorough research before committing resources.

The wave pattern movement exceeded my expectations in its visual impact. What began as a technical exercise in coordinated motion became the signature feature of the piece—creating an almost meditative experience for viewers. The minimalist spacing between elements enhances this effect, allowing each movement to exist individually while contributing to the collective flow.

The craftsmanship—from the clean mounting of components to the smooth operation of the custom gears—contributes significantly to the refined aesthetic. Technical precision became an aesthetic value in itself, reinforcing the modernist sensibility that emerged during development.

The finished piece will likely find a home on my wall or possibly be sold to an appreciator of kinetic art. Its quiet operation and mesmerizing motion make it suitable for a contemplative space. The project has already influenced my thinking about future works—particularly in how mechanical movement can create emotional responses.

If revisited, I would explore expanding the programming options to include more complex movement patterns and possibly introduce subtle lighting elements to enhance the visual impact of the motion.

Reflection

The most rewarding aspect of this project was the iteration process—seeing each prototype grow in scale and sophistication provided continuous motivation. The final artifact embodies both technical achievement and aesthetic refinement, balancing function with form in a way that feels coherent and intentional.

What began as an attempt to recreate digital motion in physical form became something more—a meditation on pattern, rhythm, and the poetry of mechanical movement. The shift from De Stijl to a more minimalist modernist expression wasn’t a compromise but an evolution, guided by both practical constraints and aesthetic discovery. In the space between what was planned and what emerged, I found something more compelling than my initial vision—a testament to the value of remaining open to unexpected directions in the creative process.