Person reference
Date of Exhibition:
Fri, 12/13/2024
Class:
Innovation Studio
Collection:
Sound Color is an interactive experience meant for two guests. It explores the themes of mindfulness and empathy, as well as the different ways in which we see the world. Sound Color started small, however, as an assignment for the Innovation Studio I course. As the course progressed, POD 4–a meditation accountability group made up of Megan Kolbe, Xander Muniz, Gabrielle Roesch, and Sam Vieau–began bringing their ideas together and learning more about the intersection between mindfulness, meditation, and empathy.
As an opportunity to physically prototype and test one of these exhibits approached, Megan brought an idea to the group: to build an interactive experience that incorporates the elements of sound-color synesthesia. Synesthesia is a condition that only 1-4% of the world’s population has, and occurs when one stimulus causes two senses to fire at the same time. Megan experiences sound-color synesthesia, where hearing sounds trigger a secondary, visual response. Sound Color’s theme then included synesthesia- it serves as both a reminder of our diverse experiences and a catalyst for curiosity and reflection, offering guests insight into the mindfulness techniques we learned and how they foster empathy and understanding.
All members participated in the brainstorming process, where we considered the flow of guests, the most useful methods of documentation, and how to educate guests on mindfulness and synesthesia both, without being heavy-handed. Additionally, Sound Color prototypes underwent several rounds of user testing.
We also focused on the Exploratorium’s EDGE design attributes, purposefully working them into the final experience. Sound Color’s labels feature use drawings and images of people to draw guests in. It also includes familiar objects, such as crayons, markers, and sticky notes, and has two stations to accommodate pairs of guests. Sound Color is mostly in the open, to provide space for large groups to partake in observation and conversation, and to give guests a preview of the experience. Most influential of all, Sound Color is intentionally playful and open-ended, allowing guests to freely express their experiences and creativity.
To better work as a group, POD 4’s members volunteered for different roles in the final project. Xander assisted with setup and teardown during the prototyping phase. Megan supplied synesthesia information, final materials, and a small barrier so that guests could interact, but be free of bias while creating. Megan edited the final documentation video highlighting Sound Color’s success. Sam took on the technical side of Sound Color, coding the information necessary to guide guests through the exhibit and play selected sounds on a loop, and also managed the exhibit during Open Studios, documenting the night and ensuring guests had what they needed. Gabrielle also recorded photos and videos, interviewed a few guests on their experience, and provided final supplies and the necessary photo and written information for Sound Color’s labels.
Sound Color opened to the public, and to great success, at the Johnny Carson’s Fall Semester 2024 Open Studios. There were few moments in the three-hour event where Sound Color was not occupied. Lines formed throughout the night, filled with eager guests. Sixteen pairs completed the experience, taking around eleven minutes on average. Countless others watched and engaged in animated post-experience conversations on the way we see the world.
As an opportunity to physically prototype and test one of these exhibits approached, Megan brought an idea to the group: to build an interactive experience that incorporates the elements of sound-color synesthesia. Synesthesia is a condition that only 1-4% of the world’s population has, and occurs when one stimulus causes two senses to fire at the same time. Megan experiences sound-color synesthesia, where hearing sounds trigger a secondary, visual response. Sound Color’s theme then included synesthesia- it serves as both a reminder of our diverse experiences and a catalyst for curiosity and reflection, offering guests insight into the mindfulness techniques we learned and how they foster empathy and understanding.
All members participated in the brainstorming process, where we considered the flow of guests, the most useful methods of documentation, and how to educate guests on mindfulness and synesthesia both, without being heavy-handed. Additionally, Sound Color prototypes underwent several rounds of user testing.
We also focused on the Exploratorium’s EDGE design attributes, purposefully working them into the final experience. Sound Color’s labels feature use drawings and images of people to draw guests in. It also includes familiar objects, such as crayons, markers, and sticky notes, and has two stations to accommodate pairs of guests. Sound Color is mostly in the open, to provide space for large groups to partake in observation and conversation, and to give guests a preview of the experience. Most influential of all, Sound Color is intentionally playful and open-ended, allowing guests to freely express their experiences and creativity.
To better work as a group, POD 4’s members volunteered for different roles in the final project. Xander assisted with setup and teardown during the prototyping phase. Megan supplied synesthesia information, final materials, and a small barrier so that guests could interact, but be free of bias while creating. Megan edited the final documentation video highlighting Sound Color’s success. Sam took on the technical side of Sound Color, coding the information necessary to guide guests through the exhibit and play selected sounds on a loop, and also managed the exhibit during Open Studios, documenting the night and ensuring guests had what they needed. Gabrielle also recorded photos and videos, interviewed a few guests on their experience, and provided final supplies and the necessary photo and written information for Sound Color’s labels.
Sound Color opened to the public, and to great success, at the Johnny Carson’s Fall Semester 2024 Open Studios. There were few moments in the three-hour event where Sound Color was not occupied. Lines formed throughout the night, filled with eager guests. Sixteen pairs completed the experience, taking around eleven minutes on average. Countless others watched and engaged in animated post-experience conversations on the way we see the world.
