Chia-Ying Lee
Masters Thesis
Interaction Design Institute Ivrea
June 12th, 2006
Contact: chiaying.lee@gmail.com
What it is?
Sonic Graffiti addresses music experiences for both creators and audiences. A system of devices enables graffiti artists to create and geo-tag music in the urban space with real spray cans. For general audiences it provides a listening experience giving a sense of connection with the environment.
How it works?
Devices for creating music include sound cap, controller and boom box. The sound cap is designed to be snapped on the top of spray cans to spray out sounds and do simple sound manipulations with gestures. Users create music by overlaying/remixing various paint/sounds from the caps. The controller is used for listening to the music with earphones when creating, and positioning sounds. It also comes with a recording part can be used for collecting sound samples from the city, or recording vocal performances. Boom box provides a shared listening experience for a group of creators in the public. Collaborations can be achieved both synchronously and asynchronously.
> creation scenario video (QuickTime Movie, 320x240, 2.1Mb)
Audiences can download a dedicated software player to install in mobile devices. Each graffiti is a small radio station. The player tunes into the music of the nearest sonic graffiti automatically while you go through the city. You can also mark the locations of music you like, hence make a personal sonic graffiti map.
> fruition scenario video (QuickTime Movie, 320x240, 1.7Mb)
Value/Potential
This project blends traditional medium and new technology. It provides graffiti audio meanings which may change people’s viewpoint about graffiti. The paint gives music a physical presence can be felt. The music can serve as the soundtrack reflecting the vibes of the city.
The concept of attachable musical controller can also be expanded to other contexts and create more interesting applications.
