THE IDEA
This project is an exploration into generating a tactile means of communicating the wide variety of tones across languages. Rather than focusing on conveying information to the impaired, as braille does, we aimed to highlight the qualities of sound – the sharpness, smoothness, etc., of the simple and dear phrase "hi mom."
Conveying Qualities of Sounds
Through analyzing and synthesizing the varying frequencies, wavelength spectrums, pitches, and tones of the simple and somewhat universal phrase, we created a series of three-dimensional textured surfaces.
PROCESS, CHALLENGES & DEVELOPMENT
Through the ideation process, we knew we wanted to translate & convey from one sense to another. We sketched through several different methods of generating 3D surfaces through analyzing aspects of sound, and translating them into a physical textures & tactile experiences. We broke down the various quantitative aspects of sound, and used each facet as a face from which to derive the surface.
We discovered that the most accurate method of creating the physical surfaces would be through the use of a CNC router. Then, by choosing a homogeneous wood composite as the material to CNC, we were able to emphasize the curvature uniqueness of each undulating surface while providing a soft & natural tactile experience.
Project Roles:
Ideation / Physical Interface Design / Computational Design / Digital Fabrication
• Brainstorming ideation and development of concept
• Generating 3D digital surfaces from sound analysis graphs
• Digital fabrication through CNC machine
• Led coordination with international voice artists
• Produced imagery and video for publications and presentations
Project Credits:
Team:
• Akshay Dayal. Computer Science & MBA, Sloan MIT
• Samantha Darryanto. Fashion Designer
• Andrew Flamang. MBA, Sloan MIT
• Ricardo Jnani Gonzalez. Master's of Science in Design
Affiliated Professors:
• J Meejin Yooni. Department of Architecture, MIT
• Neri Oxman. Mediated Matter Lab, MIT Media Lab
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