the decelerator - a slow motion perception helmet by lorenz potthast

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the decelerator - a slow motion perception helmet by lorenz potthast

Nov 14, 2012

first image
the decelerator - a slow motion perception helmet by lorenz potthast

the 'decelerator helmet' by german artist lorenz potthast offers an experimental approach to an essential subject of our
globalized world. the technical reproducible senses are consigned to an apparatus which allows the user to perceive the world
in slow motion. the stream of time as an apparently invariant constant is broken and subjected under the users control.

processed by a small computer, the helmet uses a video-signal of a camera to slow down the stream seen via a head-mounted
display and simultaneously shown at a monitor on the outside. the idea to decouple the personal perception from the natural
timing enables the user to get aware about his own relationship to time. working as a 'reflection-bubble, the helmet bridges
relations between sensory perception, while disrupting the environment.

the technique of the decelerator extends the awareness of time and transforms the concept of present in a constructed,
artificial state. on a different level, it dramatically visualizes how slowing down under all circumstances causes a loss
of actuality and as idea is inconsistent with our surrroundings.

a video demonstrating the concept

it filters and slows down the perception of the environment

the helmet offers a experimental approach to an essential subject of our globalized world

the user can move between three different modes via a remote control

a display on the outside illustrates the function of the helmet for outsiders

the helmet separates your personal perception from the natural timing

the design dramatically visualizes how slowing down can potentially cause a loss of the present

a schematical view of the helmet

inside view of the helmet

the decelerator intervenes on your natural senses

the aluminium sphere works as a reflective bubble - forcing you to think about your own relationship to time

designboom has received this project from our 'DIY submissions' feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication.
see more project submissions from our readers here.

ciaokaesten.de

11.14.12

This would be great for witnessing an Earth-shattering kaboom.

Danno says:

Nov 14, 2012

Reply
Won’t the person in the helmet get hurt?
if there is a car going to crash on him

Edward Tsai says:

Nov 15, 2012

Reply
’tis a bit ugly; you would need headphones that could cancel out the surrounding sound and playback the recording sound – otherwise the sense of ‘present’ is always ‘present’ through sound.

Wilfred says:

Nov 15, 2012

Reply
this would be really cool to wear and walk around in even if it simply processed data in real time

I was expecting Ringo Starr to show up in one of the pix

dbkii says:

Nov 16, 2012

Reply
Is there a mode that sends out an electric pulse to zap any wanker punk kids who try to mess with you while wearing it?

Travis says:

Nov 16, 2012

Reply

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