Visual Programming Workshop

Course content

Targeted for artists, designers, and creative technologists, this one-week workshop course introduces you to the fundamentals of node-based programming to build dynamic visuals and interactive experiences without traditional coding. Through lectures, screenings, hands-on projects and guided instruction, you’ll learn to generate real-time graphics, manipulate data inputs, and craft interactive audio-visual experiences.

The main tool used in the workshop is TouchDesigner. Previous experience with the software is not required, but please see other prerequisites.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

  • Apply node-based programming workflows to create interactive visual projects.
  • Design and implement audio-reactive visuals and apply real-time video processing techniques using TouchDesigner.
  • Analyze and discuss historical and contemporary examples of audiovisual art to inform their own creative practices.

Tools, tutorials and resources

Archive materials

Schedule: Autumn 2024

All classes are in room 3420 at Marsio.

We also use the following spaces at Marsio:

  • Experimental Studio 1
  • Visualization Studio
  • Cinema

Monday | 14/10/2023

Detailed materials for Monday

  • 09:15–10:15 | Introduction to the Workshop & Introduction to TouchDesigner: interface, keyboard shortcuts, operators etc.
  • 10:15–10:30 | Break
  • 10:30–12:00 | Working With TOPs: images, videos, compositing, effects, camera input
  • 12:00–13:15 | Lunch
  • 13:15–14:30 | Working with CHOPs: constant, noise, math etc.
  • 14:30–14:45 | Break
  • 14:45–15:45 | Building a VJ Tool #1: loading multiple files, transformations, blend modes
  • 15:45–16:00 | Break
  • 16:00–17:00 | Visiting other studios, experimenting, Q&A

Tuesday | 15/10/2024

Detailed materials for Tuesday

  • 09:15–10:15 | Working with DATs
  • 10:15–10:30 | Break
  • 10:30–12:00 | Audio Analysis in TouchDesigner
  • 12:00–13:15 | Lunch
  • 13:15–14:30 | Building a VJ Tool #2: Making it audio reactive
  • 14:30–14:45 | Break
  • 14:45–16:00 | Screening at Marsio Cinema: Visualist - Those Who See Beyond
  • 16:00–17:00 | Experimenting, Q&A

Wednesday | 16/10/2024

Detailed materials for Wednesday

  • 09:15–10:15 | Cleaning Up Our Project
  • 10:15–10:30 | Break
  • 10:30–12:00 | Audio Analysis Continued
  • 12:00–13:15 | Lunch
  • 13:15–14:30 | Building a VJ Tool #3: User Interface
  • 14:30–14:45 | Break
  • 14:45–15:45 | Building a VJ Tool #3: User Interface
  • 15:45–16:00 | Break
  • 16:00–17:00 | Special Topics: Loading JSON Data, 3D etc.

Thursday | 17/10/2024

  • 09.15–12:00 Project Work and Tutoring
  • 12:00–13:00 Lunch
  • 13:00–17:00 Project Work and Tutoring

Friday | 18/10/2024

  • 09.15–12:00 Project work
  • 12:00–13:00 Lunch
  • 13:00–14:00 Preparing the Screening (rendering, moving project files)
  • 14:00–17:00 Screenings of Workshop Results (Experimental Studio 1, Visualization Studio, Cinema)

Workload

3 ECTS ≈ 80h

  • 35h contact teaching (including some independent experimentation)
  • 40h time for reflection and processing the lectures (not active work, happens mostly passively outside the class hours and even after the workshop)
  • 5h documenting your work and preparing the video recording of your project work, writing the documentation

Evaluation

To successfully pass the course, the student needs to:

  • Actively attend in the workshop
  • Produce a short experimental AV work that is presented on the final day of the course
  • Provide a video recording and a short written personal reflection of the workshop.

See MyCourses for the detailed evaluation rubric and details.

Grading

This course is evaluated with a grade between 0-5.

  • 5 Excellent
  • 4 Very good
  • 3 Good
  • 2 Satisfactory
  • 1 Passable
  • 0 Fail
Calendar Sep 12, 2025