DHRUVI MEHTA

Hi! I'm Dhruvi, a data analyst and visualisation specialist with a background in graphic design based in New York City.


SELECTED WORK
2025 by Dhruvi Mehta

APOPHENIA

Generative Code, Website Design



Apophenia is a cognitive tendency where individuals perceive patterns or connections in abstract or random data. This natural human phenomenon is driven by the brain's inclination to seek out patterns and meaning in the environment. The brain attempts to comprehend the information it receives by establishing links between various pieces of data. For instance, observing faces in clouds or hearing voices in white noise are common examples of Apophenia. My senior thesis delves into this exact phenomenon, investigating it using various generative codes such as Perlin noise, Mesh, and the Mandelbulb. The objective of my research is to showcase abstract movements in patterns and create an archive of the viewers' responses and their associations with such patterns.


MANDELBULB


The Mandelbulb, a mesmerizing fractal pattern that was discovered by Tom Lowe in 2009, is a 3D extension of the famous Mandelbrot set. The pattern is created by iterating a formula in 3D space, resulting in a complex and intricate design with self-similar patterns that repeat at different scales and angles. While the Mandelbubl is often used to create visually stimulating expereicnes, some viewers may experience Apophenia, where they perceive patterns or connections in the data that are actually there.  Here are three examples of the Mandelbulb Patterns generated using processing.


MANDELBULB DESIGNS


PERLIN NOISE


Perlin noise is a type of noise that is often used to generate complex, organic-looking patterns. When applied to images or animations, Perlin noise can create a wide range of effects, from flowing textures
 to swirling clouds. Due to its complex and often unpredictable nature, viewers may perceive patterns or connections in the noise, even when none exist.

This phenomenon is known as apophenia - the tendency to see meaningful patterns in random data. While this can lead to false connections and misconceptions, it can also provide a rich and imaginative experience for those viewing Perlin noise creations .

PERLIN NOISE DESIGNS


MESH


The "Mesh" code generates a complex and intricate shape using Perlin noise. The algorithm maps points to two-dimensional coordinates, applies Perlin noise to each point, and then connects them using a curve. The result is a unique and visually captivating mesh-like shape that appears to be organic and alive, despite being generated entirely by code. The code uses randomness and chance to create an aesthetically pleasing and intricate pattern that is both beautiful and meaningful. This approach to generative art is just one example of how the concept of Apophenia can be used as a tool to unlock new possibilities in art and design. By tapping into the inherent beauty and complexity of seemingly random data, the "Mesh" code demonstrates how Apophenia can be used as a creative tool to generate visually striking and thought-provoking artwork. Here are three exmaples of the Mesh pattern I generated using p5js.

MESH DESIGNS


ARCHIVE

The project presents an archive of 21 unique generative code patterns, each designed to explore the intersection of design and perception. By showcasing these patterns, the platform invites users to engage with the visuals and contribute their interpretations. Through an interactive responses page, visitors can explore diverse perspectives and insights collected for each pattern. Developed using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, the website serves as both a visual repository and a participatory experience. It encourages viewers to reflect on the subjective nature of patterns and discover how individual perceptions shape our understanding of design. Explore the website to experience the patterns firsthand.


Website Screens