For this group project, we designed and built an interactive musical instrument that uses capacitive touch sensors to let users create music with their bodies. The goal was to explore the concept of the extended body by creating an intuitive and engaging experience where physical interaction becomes a form of musical expression.
My key contributions were focused on the physical design and construction of the instrument's frame. I developed sketches to visualize the layout, chose materials, and coordinated the precise cutting and assembly of the frame, including laser cutting the wood to fit sensor-equipped cans. I also handled wiring tasks and collaborated closely with the coding team to integrate hardware with software.
Throughout the process, we divided responsibilities to leverage our individual strengths—while the coders worked on sensor input and sound synthesis, I ensured the physical interface was functional, ergonomic, and visually coherent. Challenges like sensor calibration and fitting cans into the frame required iterative prototyping and problem-solving, underscoring the importance of teamwork.
Ultimately, we delivered a playful and immersive instrument that supports expressive communication beyond words, aligning well with the theme "one message at a time." The experience also taught me valuable lessons in group dynamics, technical integration, and the balance of creative and practical design decisions.
