Holos: Exploring the Harmony of Numbers through Design

Unveiling the Beauty of Benford's Law

Historically, numbers have held metaphysical symbolism in cultures worldwide. With the advancement of technology, humanity now has the tools to confirm the mathematical universe hypothesis. Benford's Law, which interprets and determines the probability of number distribution in datasets, serves as the foundation for the Holos project.

What sets Holos apart is its ability to measure the harmony of surrounding processes. Just as the universe operates with mathematical accuracy, natural processes often adhere to Benford's Law, indicating their harmony. Like a lie detector for data, Benford's Law can check the validity of information. Holos explores this law's applicability in various spheres, showcasing the beauty of the mathematical world order.

Using HTML, CSS, P5.JS, Adobe Illustrator, and Adobe After Effects, Holos brings Benford's Law to life. The project's web interface allows users to explore digit distribution according to the law, with each digit assigned a specific color and sound. Real-time data is visualized across four unique datasets, enabling users to examine distribution percentages and save images. The interactive elements can be manipulated using a mouse.

The Holos project began in January 2021 in Vilnius, with an integral part of the project, the installation "holos.cerate," exhibited at the Titanikas exhibition center. Extensive research underlies the project, examining the law's applicability in various spheres of human activity and natural processes. The platform combines data sonification, visualizations, and artistic interpretation to present statistical data in an engaging and informative manner, confirming the harmony of the world's data.

Creating Holos presented its fair share of challenges. Natalija Caiko worked autonomously, tackling the complexities of generative design, programming, and finding technical solutions. All calculations and real-time data visualizations were programmed using the p5.js language.

The Holos project has received recognition for its innovative design and practicality. It was awarded the Iron A' Design Award in Interface, Interaction, and User Experience Design in 2022. This accolade acknowledges the project's integration of industry best practices, competent technical characteristics, and its contribution to a better world.

With Holos, Natalija Caiko invites us to explore the harmony of numbers and the mathematical order that underlies our world. Through the lens of Benford's Law, this project reveals the beauty and elegance of the data that surrounds us.