H(ears) to Us
An interactive sound experience facilitating moments of human connection.
Images were generated using AI, exploring concepts for an interactive sound sculpture, highlighting interaction and organic design.
Context
Capstone project
Timeline
September 2024 - present
Last updated Dec 2024
Role
Ideator, researcher, designer
Challenge
After relocating to Vancouver for my studies, I found it difficult to connect with others. I'm not alone. Vancouver Foundation's Connect and Engage 2017 report indicates a pervasive experience of loneliness in Vancouver. For people aged 18-24, nearly 1/3 spend more time lonely than they'd like.
Goal
By introducing public art that invites engagement, strangers feel permitted to talk, smile, and connect with each other over a shared experience.
The art itself should remind people of shared humanity and collectivism.
Vision
I envision an experience where users create sonic outputs collaboratively (e.g., high-fiving) and individually (e.g., tapping a foot). The sculpture will collect and compile sounds into a choir-like arrangement for passersby. Sculptural form will intrigue and engage people passing by and create comfortable listening experience.
Research Process
Let's get into it!
Interviews
I conducted 10 interviews with Emily Carr students and staff, exploring the causes of loneliness and strategies for overcoming it.
A taste of my interviews conducted.
Interview Key Findings
1.
70% of people interviewed experience loneliness regularly, particularly in Vancouver.
2.
Nighttime, weather, phone use, and social media are common triggers for loneliness.
Introvert or extrovert tendencies revealed varying triggers.
3.
Moving outside, engaging with nature, music and sentimental media bring comfort for loneliness.
Introvert or extrovert tendencies revealed varying comfort tools.
Co-Design
I facilitated two co-design sessions: one with Emily Carr students from various years and majors, and another with Interaction Design peers, to explore ideas for the form and sound of my public sound sculpture.
Mindmap of ideas for physical forms accumulated from both sessions.
Mindmap of sonic possibilities accumulated from both sessions.
Co-Design Key Findings
Form
1.
Organic and nature-inspired shapes as forms both comfortable and approachable: trees, mushroom networks, roots
2.
Form should allow prolonged and short-term engagement with a visual element revealing sound
3.
Proximity necessitating interaction was a suggestion made that I would like to work with furthur
Sound
4.
Sounds could be collected by sculpture from user input, either collaboratively or individually
5.
Collective sounds like sports, cooking, music, laughter, conversations overheard remind participants of human connection
6.
Micro sounds like heartbeats, breathing + footsteps remind participants of human connection
Learnings + Next Steps
I learned…
1.
Sounds resonate with people uniquely. There is no "one sound-fits-all" for my sculpture. Therefore on-site human interaction can build the sonic experience for those contributing and passing by.
3.
Introverts and extroverts have different triggers and sources of relief for loneliness
Next, I will…
4.
Research and brainstorm ways for users to create sonic input for the experience
5.
Explore and test prototypes of possible organic forms for structure
6.
Narrow target user group or make experience inclusive for both introverts and extroverts
