Project Overview

Proximuse is an interactive installation designed to allow users to experience and create music beyond the limitations of traditional instruments, wires, and screens. It functions like a theremin for a band, minus the eerie sounds, focusing instead on fun and collaborative music creation. The installation consists of four proximity sensors, controlled by an Arduino system, that activate different musical tracks—drums, bass, rhythm, and lead—based on where users stand. This project was a collaboration between myself and a friend, aimed at making music creation accessible and engaging for everyone.

My Role

In this project, my responsibilities included:

• User Experience Design: Crafting an intuitive and engaging user experience that encourages active participation.

• Set-up Planning: Strategically planning the installation set-up to optimize user interaction and music creation.

• Housing Box Design and Construction: Designing and building the housing box for the sensors and Arduino kit using a laser cutter.

• Audio Track Design: Creating and arranging the audio tracks in the Key of C to ensure they could layer seamlessly regardless of the user’s interaction.

Design Process

Ideation: The core idea behind Proximuse was to create an experience that brings people together, enabling them to create music without the need for prior knowledge of music theory or instruments. We wanted users to use their entire bodies to play and enjoy the creation process, free from the distractions of cables, screens, and technical intricacies. The goal was to make users feel like part of a band, fostering a sense of collaboration and creativity.

Set-up: The installation utilized four proximity sensors, each linked to an Arduino system. These sensors activated different musical tracks—drums, bass, rhythm, and lead—based on the users' positions. The audio tracks were carefully designed in the Key of C to ensure harmonic compatibility, allowing them to layer seamlessly at any given moment.

Further Exploration: To enhance the immersive experience, we explored pairing the audio output with visual elements. We experimented with lasers, projectors, and blacklight methods to find the best solution that complemented the audio-heavy focus of the project without overwhelming it.

Outcomes

Showcased Project: Proximuse was selected as one of the featured projects at the Seattle Maker Faire 2018, where it received positive feedback for its innovative experience design.

Skill Development: This project allowed me to deepen my understanding of music theory, sensors, coding for Arduino, and spatial experience design. It also provided valuable insights into creating interactive installations that engage users on both a physical and emotional level.