Just a Reflektor is an interactive, web-based “music video” for an Arcade Fire song of the same title. To begin, the user is prompted to connect his/her mobile device with the experience. Once the connection is established, a tracker appears on the screen of the user’s device and is detected by the computer camera–allowing the user to manipulate the music video. The interaction between the computer screen and the mobile device evokes a feeling of a flashlight illuminating a dark scene or a shadow play of sorts. While using high-end digital technology, Just a Reflektor plays with the aesthetics of analog and optical. Moreover, the project combines novel interaction techniques with documentary-style footage, bridging film and web aesthetics.

This Emmy-winner project is open-source; tools used in the development as well as the code are available on the “Technology” page at the end of the experience.