Center Flees are an accelerometer driven, networked LED device, spun like fire poi, making music and light effects. They respond to subtle changes in velocity, making a delicate conversation between performer and technology.

The Arduino powered smart poi use the accelerometer data in multiple ways. The spinning motion is translated into RGB LED values, printing colors at specific points in the rotational arc. Accelerometer data is also transmitted to a computer using XBee Wireless chips, producing sounds with each spin. To change between color sequences, ranging from rainbow to red, blue and green channels, simply drop smart poi while at rest or stall while spinning.

The effect is truly mesmerizing, as witnessed at Maker Faire Bay Area 2013. A visceral combination of motion and light, they are simple to use but difficult to perfect.

Cassandra Marshall works as a UX Designer and Web Developer specializing in non-profits. A graduate of NYU's Interactive Telecommunications Program [ITP] and UCSC's Film and Video Program, she has worked with digital media for ten years, web tools for 8. Her clients include publishers, philanthropists, artists, fashion designers, writers and her parents. Not only is she well versed in digital media, she is active in art various communities adopting titles such as modern dancer, artist, art fabricator, social media and fire safety coordinator. Currently she is perfecting her newest creation, Center Flee, an interactive performance device debuted at Maker Faire Bay Area.