lifeSigns is a world that generates iconographic languages. It explores the idea of ‘emergent language’ through computational processes, where both human and digital agents contribute to the formation of meaning.

An interdisciplinary model for meaning generation is articulated via the intersection of artificial life and generative systems, computational semiotics, and digital games. The processes encoded into artificial life software may be connected to systems and codes of signification enabling the evolution of digital media languages. The living signs (‘lifeSigns’) evolved by the system are represented through form, structure, colour, sound, motion, surface and behaviour. The game environment makes the system tangible and provides a medium for feedback.

Navigation and play in the lifeSigns world using conventions of digital games and electronic musical performance. Playing each lifeSign reveals its unique form and behavior through synaesthetic animation of image and sound. The languages generated by the work are interpreted by the audience through a cumulative process of assigning meanings during play in the world.

Representation of process: Signals are mapped through networks of individual atoms. The Lifesigns system uses the abstract, numerical representation of information as the starting point for this process, reconnecting the values to take another form. Image to sound, sound to image. Data = anything.

Emergent language: The forms of the icons are not designed, but evolve through the collective interaction of the audience. What kind of language will evolve from this process? Will it be something familiar much like the signs and symbols we use today, or will it be something alien and entirely new?

Synaesthesia: 16 parameters are available to manipulate each mesh or sound. The parameters to be mapped are determined by a set of switches in an atom. An atom receives four inputs which are then mapped to it’s mesh and sound. 3D objects and effects are matched to sound synthesis and sample playback.

Meaning vectors: As their forms evolve, icons are assigned meaning vectors by remote participants via an on-line database. These meanings subsequently influence the icon’s behaviour and relationships in the world.

Eco-system of signs and symbols: A world built from form, colour, movement, sound and structural relationships as the essential communication elements. How can process, generative media and evolutionary algorithms be presented in a way that reveals a view of language as form of "semiotic life".

Genetic algorithm: Every new icon in the system has a unique DNA string. These strings may be combined with one another to produce hybrid forms of the most popular icons. Unpopular icons are removed from the world.

Virtual worlds as vehicle for expression: Computational models of reality offer abstractions that can be experienced as if they were real. Information can be visualised and made audible, revealing structures and patterns which were previously invisible. These models of reality, or virtual worlds can also be used as a new medium for expression.

Play: Unencumbered experiential interactivity via an array of sensors allows the audience to play the icons like musical instruments. Other interface elements enable navigation of the space and direct manipulation of image-sound objects.