A single 'energy' scalar driving multiple motion parameters makes the whole image rise and fall coherently

Perceived energy in a visual field tracks speed × amplitude × contrast of change. When multiple parameters (oscillation frequency, motion amplitude, feedback activity) each vary independently, the image feels chaotic and uncontrolled. Binding them to a shared scalar — an ‘energy’ variable — means all motion increases or decreases together, which reads as a coherent arc: an intensifying build or a drop into stillness. This matches the intent energy field in the style spec. The scalar can be driven by audio (audio-reactive-map) or by a manual automation. It is the visual counterpart to the arrangement concept of density-curve.

Examples

energy = a.fft[0] (bass band). Then: rotation speed = base + energyscale, modulation depth = base2 + energyscale2, feedback gain = 0.9 + energy*0.05. All move together.

Assessment

Design a simple Hydra patch where three motion parameters (rotation speed, warp depth, zoom rate) all read from a single ‘energy’ variable. Describe what the image does as energy rises from 0 to 1, and why this is preferable to varying each parameter independently.