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Bee Communication

↳ Pratt Grad ComD ↳ DES 720B by Zhenyi Wang
A physical bee communication game exploring how we perceive intelligence. Bee 1 finds food and sends hidden signals; Bee 2 guesses, remembers, and adapts based on feedback. Through memory, hesitation, and adaptation, a simple system begins to appear intelligent.
A physical bee communication game exploring how we perceive intelligence. Bee 1 finds food and sends hidden signals; Bee 2 guesses, remembers, and adapts based on feedback. Through memory, hesitation, and adaptation, a simple system begins to appear intelligent.

Project Description

"Learning Bee" is an experimental game about learning, memory, and intelligence. Players observe two bees: one communicates through four mysterious symbols, while the other tries to interpret them and find the correct flower. By watching the bees make mistakes, remember past outcomes, and adapt their behavior, players gradually form their own understanding of the hidden system. The game asks: "When does a simple behavior begin to feel like intelligence?"

My physical card model shows how one bee finds food, returns to the hive, communicates the direction, and helps another bee find the same food source. It also shows how this simple process can create a larger feedback loop within the colony.
My physical card model shows how one bee finds food, returns to the hive, communicates the direction, and helps another bee find the same food source. It also shows how this simple process can create a larger feedback loop within the colony.
A physical game exploring bee communication and perceived intelligence. Version 1 uses clear rules, while Version 2 hides them behind symbols, requiring guessing, memory, and feedback. The same system feels different depending on how the communication is presented.
A physical game exploring bee communication and perceived intelligence. Version 1 uses clear rules, while Version 2 hides them behind symbols, requiring guessing, memory, and feedback. The same system feels different depending on how the communication is presented.
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