Creative Coding
Real‑Time Visuals with TouchDesigner: Audio‑Reactive & 3D Graphics
Course overview
Course content
Session 1: Exploring TouchDesigner’s Interface and Workflow
4 lessons
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Session 1: Exploring TouchDesigner’s Interface and Workflow
4 lessons
- Identify and navigate the key components of the TouchDesigner interface.
- Understand the purpose and use of operator families (TOPs, CHOPs, SOPs, DATs, COMPs).
- Establish efficient workflow habits including project organization and preview methods.
- Exercise: Create a basic network using at least one node from each operator family
Session 2: Mastering Texture Operators (TOPs) for Creative Image Processing
4 lessons
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Session 2: Mastering Texture Operators (TOPs) for Creative Image Processing
4 lessons
- Apply compositing, blending, and transformation techniques using TOPs.
- Manipulate real-time video or static images through layered processing.
- Understand resolution and performance trade-offs in image processing.
- Exercise: Build a dynamic visual using a live video feed
Session 3: Advanced Signal Processing with Channel Operators (CHOPs)
4 lessons
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Session 3: Advanced Signal Processing with Channel Operators (CHOPs)
4 lessons
- Use CHOPs to process and control signals in real time.
- Create audio-reactive systems that affect visuals or parameters dynamically.
- Combine multiple CHOPs for complex behavior using math and logic operations.
- Exercise: Create an audio-reactive system
Session 4: Constructing and Rendering 3D Geometry with Surface Operators (SOPs)
4 lessons
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Session 4: Constructing and Rendering 3D Geometry with Surface Operators (SOPs)
4 lessons
- Build and manipulate 3D geometry using SOPs and CHOPs together.
- Apply materials, lights, and cameras to create a compelling scene.
- Render 3D content with an understanding of performance optimization.
- Exercise: Design a 3D scene using at least 3 SOPs
Session 5: Designing Interactive User Interfaces with Component Operators (COMPs)
4 lessons
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Session 5: Designing Interactive User Interfaces with Component Operators (COMPs)
4 lessons
- Develop interactive UI elements like sliders, buttons, and toggles using COMPs.
- Route UI outputs to control parameters in the visual scene.
- Organize components into reusable UI modules.
- Exercise: Create a UI with sliders and buttons to control parameters
Session 6: Integrating Scripting for Dynamic Content Creation
4 lessons
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Session 6: Integrating Scripting for Dynamic Content Creation
4 lessons
- Use Python scripting to manipulate operators and automate actions.
- Create interactive scripts that react to user inputs or triggers.
- Understand how to debug and test Python scripts within DATs.
- Exercise: Write a Python script that changes the color or texture of a 3D object
Session 7: Incorporating External Devices for Enhanced Interactivity
4 lessons
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Session 7: Incorporating External Devices for Enhanced Interactivity
4 lessons
- Connect and configure MIDI, OSC, or sensor devices with TouchDesigner.
- Map external device inputs to CHOP channels for real-time control.
- Create adaptive experiences that respond to human interaction or motion.
- Exercise: Connect a MIDI controller or simulate input using a LFO CHOP
Session 8: Final Project Presentation and Optimization Strategies
4 lessons
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Session 8: Final Project Presentation and Optimization Strategies
4 lessons
- Present an interactive visual project incorporating techniques from previous sessions.
- Apply optimization strategies for smooth real-time playback.
- Receive and apply peer and instructor feedback to refine the project.
- Exercise: Present your final project (3–5 minutes)
Instructors