samlawton.space
Expanded Childhood01–22–2023This film acts as a speculative exploration into the blurred lines between memory, reality, and technology. With the use of generative AI, my childhood photos have been expanded, creating a new, if not false, context for the scene.  In doing so, it raises important questions about the nature of memory and how our brains process information. Can AI help us reframe traumatic memories and promote healing? In what ways could this technology be used for therapeutic rehabilitation? 
Through a series of experiments with my own father, the film offers a unique perspective on these complex issues. His candid audio reactions to the altered images can be heard throughout the film, giving a glimpse into the power of memory and the influence of external stimuli on our perception.

Runway AI Film Festival -- New York/San Francisco
Immaterial: Digital realities.  -- Tabalakera, Spain
Licensing Con 23 / Hanyang University -- Seoul, SK

Look Closely03–21–2024Look Closely  is an experiment in human perception. Angled toward descerning the public’s level of familiarity with generative media, partipants are shown images and tasked with deciding whether each one was AI generated, or a human-sourced photograph. 
Throughout the experiment, I became less interested in whether or not people could differentiate between human-sourced and AI generated media, but when it mattered if they couldn’t.

lookclosely.ai for more information.


XR Limb11–11–2022
The XR Limb is the result of a year long research project where I explored synesthesia and how it relates to amputees and the phantom pain they often feel in their missing limb. It is first and foremost an XR rehabilitation program built on the foundation of mirror therapy, reimagined into a 3D, immersive environment. 
XR Limb was designed to be as lightweight as possible. I identified and removed the most common barriers found within XR and healthcare. The whole system is completely wireless, no added hardware or sensors.

In collaboration with Limb Lab and UNMC
More effective Myoelectric Prosthesis calibration 
Entirely contained within the $299 Quest 2


Multi-Stream Content Consumption4–14–2023
This project was an investigation into a concerning evolution of how younger generations are consuming content. A new format of media structure that encourages viewer retention while simultaneously degrading the users attention span. With the rise of social media platforms like Tik Tok, we are seeing more and more trends emerge that encourage simultaneous, multi-stream content consumption.  
I wanted to point to the absurdity and call attention to this new method of media ingestion. As an experiment, I designed and programmed an AR filter that would be deployed to platforms like TikTok and Instagram. 

100K Opens in 24 Hours
500K Lifetime Impressions  
Link to Filter

  bruhhh
Abacus Bench1–11–2022
This specualtive solution to public seating takes inspiration from the original calculator. The rail-guided seating modules allows the user to have agency over their seating arrangements. The design takes into account the recent behavioral trend of social distancing, allowing for individual space based on personal comfortability levels. 
The design is inherently inclusive, adapting to the users needs. If one chose to sit/sleep/rest, their experience would be entirely self-curated.


A4M-Lamp10–24–2022
An industrial design sprint, the A4M Lamp embodies rapid prototyping and digital fabrication. The 3D printed base was created from a 3D scan of my arm, leveraging LiDar as a means to capture and convert the 3D geometry of my body to a functional lighting tool. This lamp is fully modular with articulating flex points allowing to be shaped to the users needs. 
ECO PLA Filament
Rubber Coated Steel Wire
Wireless Rechargable LED Lantern

Timberland: Slime Mold 6-Inch Boot5–1–2022
Slime Mold (physarum polycephalum) is a eukaryotic organism that can aggregate to form multicellular reproductive structures. The conceptual design process takes inspiration from the innate architectural abilities of slime mold by experimenting with how it will choose to populate the classic Timberland.
 Featured by TIMBERLAND as a winning entry in their CONSTRUCT: 10061 design challenge. The challenge focused on utilizing natural materials as a means to explore advanced methods of manufacturing in order to reimagine the iconic boot.

Timberland TECTRA
CONSTRUCT 10061
Concept Kicks



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