TouchDesigner is a high-level real-time video programming environment, with hardware-accelerated 3d and 2d graphics generation and manipulation tools, flexible data handling, and a plethora of I/O options. It is a powerful tool that lends itself to data visualization, interactive graphics and art pieces, projection mapping, and custom VJ software building .

Syllabus

Days 1 - 2: Using TouchDesigner

Lecture:
-Showcase: projects using TouchDesigner.
-Anatomy of a .toe file: in pseudo code and in operators.
-Operators: Different operators are for different data types, with some operators converting between data types.
-Basics: Navigating, modular components, good coding practice.
-I/O: Using input from the mouse, microphone, OSC, MIDI and video cameras.
-How to create and use .tox files to load and unload modules from a set.
-Brief intro to advanced topics: instancing, scripting, materials, generative techniques.
-Resources: reference, help files, wiki and forum.

Project: build a simple controlled set with video clip and 3d element control.

Days 3 - 4: Video performance architecture and interfaces

Lecture:
- Showcase: TouchDesigner live video shows. (Amon Tobin-Isam, Skrillex, DJ Shadow)
- Discussion of software architecture strategies, focus on modularity.
- Interfacing with Ableton.

Project:
-Build out modules for a provided video playback, generation and control system, hooking up your own controller.