Diversity within 3BEAM team is the key to success

The 3Beam team looks back with pride on GLOW 2018. The ‘Shadows & Light’ theme was a huge success and they even earned a first place in the GLOW Poll. 3Beam is an interactive project. Light is split into three primary colors: red, green and blue. Each color is separately projected, but together they produce effects that were hidden at first. ‘We were already surprised when we heard that we were able to participate in GLOW, but the response of the audience was beyond expectations,’ team member Kateryna Filippovych smiles. 'Imagine that we can incorporate some sensors and manipulate what is on the screen.'

‘I think our project appeals to the public so much, because it is interactive,’ team member Peter Stockmann says. ‘By casting your own shadow on the canvas, you get a reaction of colors and shapes. We wanted to create a ‘wow’ experience to stimulate young and old with this project, and we succeeded.’ The 3Beam team consists of seven Employeneurs with different backgrounds and disciplines. ‘Our diversity makes the team strong. We think out of the box and complement each other. Through means of communication we keep each other informed of new ideas and developments. We meet on a regular basis in the Entrepreneurial Lab. Composing music is a hobby of mine and I have added sound effects to the project. I never thought I'd play my music this way.’

Kateryna has been working at TMC since 2017. While she was looking for a suitable project, it seemed fun to work with the 3Beam team. ‘I was looking for my own challenge within the project. The way in which you can present something, so that you are continuously amazed at what you see, was a great challenge for me. You see the technology, but on the other hand it is difficult to understand how the effects are created. It is just like a painting: you see the end result, but you keep wondering how a painter puts this on the canvas. I wanted to achieve that within this project. Therefore, I have a creative role in the team.'

‘Normally, engineers are not seen as artists by the public,’ team member Israel Nunez Hernandez continues. ‘Project 3Beam has made me curious about applying technical knowledge to art. As an electronic engineer, I always found it fascinating to work with lamps, software and sensors. From a technical point of view, it helped me to improve my programming skills. In addition, I learned about moiré patterns and optical illusions.’ At first, Israel joined the team to get to know its TMC colleagues. ‘It's always nice to share conversations and fresh ideas with proactive people. I work in an environment where the development of new ideas and concepts is supported and encouraged. The experience of GLOW gave me a positive vibe to continue developing this project.’

The 3Beam team is now fully focused on the new developments. Peter: ‘The team is ambitious and we want to make maximum use of all disciplines. That is the key to our success. 3Beam is now well known and we have already been asked by various organizations to develop a project. Of course, we are also participating in GLOW 2019. Kateryna: ‘This project taught me that you can achieve success by thinking big. We were unknown artists and put ourselves on the map.’ Israel adds: ‘So far, the interaction with the beamers has been established through shadow. Now, we are thinking bigger: imagine that we can incorporate some sensors and manipulate what is on the screen. Moreover, I would like it if we could develop something that not only has an entertainment goal, but also contains an educational and social aspect.’