Project Overview

Objective

The primary objective was to think of an animatronic installation for a Halloween-themed maze that would be appropriate for younger audiences. It was decided that a valuable contribution to this maze would be a Jack-in-the-Box (JITB) that, when triggered, would greet visitors as they enter the maze. Jack Skellington would hold this box with the help of a pedestal, so that it is at a height suitable for children.

Considerations

In order for this greeter to be well-received, it had to be entertaining. The best way to do this was to optimize its visual, auditory, and kinetic appeal as defined below:

Visual

• Selection of color palette that reflects the spirit of Halloween
• Symmetrical physical features, so that Jack Skellington's body and head are recognized as such
• Practical scale that will make greeter easily visible
• Strategic placement of LEDs to make the greeter feel alive

Auditory

• Creation of a greeting that will be simultaneously creepy and inviting
• Ensuring that this greeting will be heard by all who enter the maze, despite varied entrance times

Kinetic

• Programming the jaw of the JITB to move in sync with the greeting
• Animating head by enabling vertical movement