Challenges：Designing a musical instrument fro users with no musical background that can interact with it and make music

Date: April - July 2023

Skills: Product Design, CAD Modeling

Tools: Fusion 360, Adobe Illustrator

Project Background：

At New Bund 31, our team has created a unique experience that blends music with interactive play. This project aims to merge music and entertainment, offering participants of all ages a distinctive platform for music creation.

Concept Overview：

Our installation features a series of musical lily pads, each with its own musical characteristics:

· Four Large Lily Pads: Provide immersive background tracks.

· Five Small Lily Pads: Offer individual notes, allowing users to craft their own melodies.

User Experience：

Our design caters to a diverse range of user groups:

· Young Children: Attracted by the visual appeal and interactivity of the pond.

· Parents: Seeking engaging and entertaining experiences for their children.

· Families and Friend Groups: Encouraged to participate together in a shared creative endeavor.

· Music Enthusiasts: Find a novel platform for composing music.

· Music Educators: Use the lily pads to teach music theory and foster musical expression.

· Onlookers: Enjoy the visual and auditory spectacle

Sustained & Return Play：

Key features to engage users include:

· Individual Note Composition: Allows for personal melody creation.

· Integration with Current Shows: Tracks connected to performances at New Bund 31.

· Interactive Workshops: Opportunities for participants to record their own tracks.

Prototype Details：

· Sample Tracks: Created using instruments like Pipa, Guzheng, Synth, and Drums.

· Real Sounds: Drum tracks featuring the acoustic sounds of construction materials, recorded by New Bund 31 performers.

· Educational Element: Designed to teach basic rhythm and musical scales.

Design and Technical Logistics:

· Sound Generation: Each lily pad contains a wooden board in the shape of a lily pad, topped with green rubber and a metal plate underneath, separated by foam for circuit protection.

· Visual Appeal: LED light strips wrapped around each lily pad, enhancing the aesthetic and interactive experience.