Foot UI is a set of explorations on how to create casual interactions between people in public spaces in a way that encourages distancing and safety.

This project was inspired by observations of people in public spaces during the first few months of the COVID-19 pandemic in Barrio Escalante, San Jose. While this was previously a friendly and community-oriented neighborhood, the pandemic had made most residents anxious and avoidant.

FeetUI explores different ways in which the distanced line markers at grocery stores and banks could act as a space where people could interact. Through projection mapping, FeetUI creates light and safe interactions using only one’s feet in order to encourage connection the people around you.

The motivation of these interactions is to break a bit of tension and fear between each other.