DROP.
Music experience for the deaf. Drop is a multi-sensory device that allows hard of hearing people to experience music.
24 week Project
Loughborough Design School Final Year Project.
Inspired by synaesthesia, a neurological condition where sensory paths are intercrossed - Drop reimagines music for the deaf and hard of hearing.
The concept
Many assume there is no way for hard of hearing people to listen and enjoy music but this is not the case, they simply experience it in a different way.
Over 80% of the legally deaf population are able to differentiate volume but mainly rely on tactile feedback when ‘listening’ to music.
The Brief
The device will make use of different senses to create an immersive music entertainment experience and encourage more accessible ways to enjoy music
Sensory Focus Group
A sensory focus group was put together in order to acquire primary research exploring the relationship between music and the other senses.
All participants signed an informed consent form and had undergone appropriate ethics checks through Loughborough University.
Methodology was based upon 5 sound samples.
Participants were asked various questions antd shown sensory stimuli to describe and compare the sound samples.
Participants were asked various questions antd shown sensory stimuli to describe and compare the sound samples.
Ideation
Concept ideation paid a key focus on concept variety and technology. Each concept was based upon the translation of music to a different sensory output or a specific type of technology.
Concepts were compared using a selection matrix against prototyping feasibility and the product design specification.
The Solution
Drop utilises three various sensory inputs - touch (tactile), sight (visual) and hearing (auditory) to provide a fully immersive music experience.
The device mimics the motion of water ripples that react to music. The faster the beat, the faster the motion. The louder the pitch, the larger displacement.
The device is coupled with speakers and a modular wearable for portable use.
Prototyping
Multiple prototypes were made in order to prove feasibility and function for user testing. This included a working electronic prototype made with arduino, a working motion model, interactive app screens, aesthetic models and an AR model for size comparison and a rendered animation to display movement.
Electronic Prototype
The electronic prototype reflected the function of the device with a working sound sensor and audio player.
The prototype included speakers, LED lights and a vibration motor that responded to the sound sensor.
Made with an Arduino ELEGOO.
Design For Manufacture
Each part underwent a thorough material and manufacturing selection criteria which took into account batch size, part size, shape and cost to ensure a cost effective and appropriate manufacturing process. Any issues located with a part were revised to make the part feasible.
DROP.
Music experience for the deaf. Drop is a multi-sensory device that allows hard of hearing people experience music. Equipped with an at-home dock and portable tactile module, users can listen, see and feel the music.
Device body
Individual rings are controlled via a single motor through a series of offset disks that rotate in sync. As the motor rotates in time with the music, the rings create a water ripple effect on the surface.
Tactile Module
Tactile Module Device can be inserted to various silicone casings and clipped to the body to feel the rhythm of the music on the body. It wirelessly charges when placed on the centre of the device body.
The tactile module is fitted with a vibration motor behind a silicon insert to better conduct the vibrations onto the skin
DROP.
Music Experience for the Deaf.
All renders are modelled on Solidworks, rendered with Keyshot.
