Over the last 24 hours we’ve received a number of requests for information on the workings of the onedotzero identity and how it will feature on the exterior space at BFI Southbank. While the team want to keep a few things up their sleeve ahead of the onedotzero opening, there are a number of details we’re more than happy to share.

As Karsten Schmidt mentioned in our previous test film, the onedotzero identity draws on online conversations to build a constantly evolving interactive projection.

The software behind the identity installation was written by Karsten using an open source programming language called Processing. It allowed him to build the framework for the visualisation of the source text (all the online conversations) quickly and efficiently.

The conversations themselves are aggregated through API’s from Twitter, Flickr, Vimeo and relevant blogs. They are then mapped together to create a series of ‘organic ribbons’ which move according to principles of magnetism. Essentially, the letters forming the ‘onedotzero_adventures in motion’ message have a positive charge and attract the ribbons of text. The pace of their movement is also governed by where in the magnetic field they are placed.

Visitors to the festival can move, re-write and manipulate the projection through a bespoke user interface created for the new Nokia N900 by Gary Birkett which harnesses the phone’s accelerometer and touch screen to create an instant response in the animation.

Additionally, passersby will also be able to add to the ribbons of information through traditional sms – all of which will be projected straight onto the entire 50 metre length of the western wall of the National Theatre.

The installation team – including Karsten, Gary, and Wieden + Kennedy creative director Tony Davidson and Shane Walter creative director at onedotzero – will be presenting a detailed look at the process behind the installation as part of the festival. Tickets are free and only a click away at the BFI.

In the meantime, if you have a specific question Karsten (@toxi), Gary (@lcuk), project producer Sermad (@sermad) and Shane (@oneodotzero) are only too happy chat.