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creative process journal

FMP / Hannah Tomlinson / DE6013

Contents

01 FMP Part One Contemporary Music Consumption Themes Interaction Study Refined Brief Next Steps 02 Interaction Exploration Paper Models Interactions Familiar Interactions Feedback Video Prototyping 03 Thematic Development Mapping Themes Narrowing The Focus Spotify Community 04 The Radio Relevance Analogue Controls The Devices

05 Form Product Language Form + Features CAD Visualisation

09 Making Laser Cutting 3D Printing Sanding + Priming Adding Colour Assembly

06 Proof Of Concept Introduction to CAD How far to go

10 Deliverables

07 A Redesign MDF Testing Device #1 Device #2 Device #3 Colour Scheme

Photography #1 Colour Magazine Photography #2 Keyshot Video Issues Adding Animation

08 Branding Naming Isometric Retro Neon / 80s

The Final Deliverables

FMP Part One This chapter covers my work in FMP part one where my focus was on exploring multiple aspects of contemporary music consumption. This exploratory phase, while very interesting, revealed how large the subject area is.

Contemporary Music Consumption The shifting landscape of music consumption is one of the most radical - and successful - transitions from product ownership to access in the recent past. The popularity of streaming services such as Spotify suggest an upcoming movement towards more seamless and more integrated listening. This transition, however, contradicts the recent resurgence of psychical music formats. An in-depth study of the evolution of music consumption, crossreferenced with interview responses provided me with an insightful timeline and starting point.

“vinyl offers users direct manipulation of the material”

“vinyl is especially differe of the album artwork, tha not the same when it’s jus screen” (1)

vinyl

phonograph

radio

“I don’t have to make any decisions when I listen to the radio and it’s the only way I get to hear new music” (3)

rca / ca tape

ent because at’s definitely st pixels on a

“the motion of unlocking and opening the app every time I want to change song becomes v” (2)

streaming

mp3 player

assette “I liked the separation of music having all my music in one place” (2)

“When I stream music I feel like I only own it for the duration of the song” (1)

Age Demographic When speaking to interviewees I found the most obvious difference in perspectives to come from age difference. Older music consumers have a preference for physical formats.

Understanding Listeners The scale highlights different music consumers; they can be differentiated by their different relationships with music and the products / services they are willing to spend money on.

The Curious Elder 57 Years Old

Has a large collection of CDs + Vinyls collated over years. The CDs are organised in alphabetical order.Limited use of streaming platforms. Has a spotify account to use while discovering new music.

Nostalgic Youth 23 Years Old

Primarily uses Spotify’s mobile application to play music throuought the day. Creates playlists for various moods / events. Has an interest in ‘old’ technology so bought a reccord player and owns a few vinyls.

Interaction Study An interaction study with participants with different listening habits from different age demographics. They were asked to use the shapes to perform simple music listening controls. The individuals were asked to use the lofi card shapes to perform familiar interactions.

increase volume

skip track

shuffle

add to playlist

Swipe

Double Tap

Dice Roll

Dial

Twist

Stack

Build

Slide

Scatter

Stack

Interestingly, multiple participants resorted to familiar analogue interactions. Using the shapes as sliders of dials.

Video:

can we combine the ‘best of both’?

analogue vs digital

Themes My secondary research, interviews, interaction studies and my personal engagement in music allowed me to differentiated these three rough themes. On the whole I want to bridge the gap between the satisfaction found in a tactile interaction with an analogue device and the possibilities found in music streaming.

Key Idea: Bridging the hap between digital and physical interactions with music.

dig over

gital rload

what physical interactions can be used to represent digital controls?

intuitive interaction

how can we create a more engaging method of music discovery?

Refined Brief I want to develop products that create a more engaging music listening experience. The products would be conceptual and serve as accessories for music listening that provoke thought around our current streaming habits. For example, the lack of commitment in an access-based service means some users have become impatient with finding new music. In reaction, songs now often start with their chorus. I aim to balance the endless possibility of an online streaming library with the satisfaction of a physical interaction.

Next Steps Having refined my brief I spent some time collecting my thoughts. While I wasn’t sure exactly where the project was headed I wanted to at least plan the next few activities. I needed to narrow my focus and highlight some key themes in contemporary music consumption. Then begin to develop some products / interactions that would provoke thought around the theme.

Interaction Exploration Without knowing exactly where the project was headed I began with a focus on simple interactions and the effect they might have on the music was listening. I was important the interactions were simple and intuitive.

Paper Models Using the themes I touched on in FMP P1 and some initial ideas as how to approach them, I started to create quick card models. Each with one simple / familiar interaction that could be linked to an action carried out while listening to music. With some action came before interaction and some the inverse. The coloured card assisted with the ‘playful’ image I wanted to convey.

Interaction The individual paper models each had a specific function / action related to music listening. For example, some of the clock or dial shaped forms would rewind the user through their listening history.

Familiar Interactions I found the most impactful interactions to be those that built on already ingrained interactions. The use of familiar shapes or devices created a preset as to how users might interact with the device. I tested a few house hold objects to see how users might - with prompts - use them.

Feedback Over Summer I interned at Matter design consultancy based in Bath. Design Director Lottie offered to talk through my project. She suggested I continue to look at interactions but perhaps utilise products I already owned. This would both save time creating models as well as expand the range of interaction. As I was working with card, a lot of my models were sharp edged and had limited interactive qualities. Using more diverse materials such as bluetack ect. would possibly provide a richer set of interactions.

Using a device which uses ingrained interactions feels like a ‘short-cut’ to creating a more meaningful tactility.

Video Prototyping I found short video prototypes to be the most effective method of communicating my experiments and findings. The videos could express movement better than a sketch or photo. Annotations over the video also helped capture my thought process. I have uploaded the videos as additional submissions.

Follow the QR code to view a collation of the interaction experiments.

Thematic Development Much of my work so far has been exploratory while interesting has meant the subject area has remained large. In order to progress the project I need to refine the themes and direct the project.

Algorithmic Playlists Task-Based Playlist

Instant Nostalgia Fulfilment Record of Listening History

Benefit Instant Access to Large Library

Social Aspect Online Community

Emotional Disconnect

Loss of Album Art Lack of Materiality Loss of Ownership

Criticism

Difficult Decision Making Digital Overload Unengaging Music Discovery

I see my project as more conceptual than a consumer product. The devices I will design will highlight some of the many benefits of streaming music - a service which is often criticised for its lack of tactility / emotion.

Narrowing the Focus With multiple themes to incorporate into the project it was important for me to make some decisions. I chose three areas of music streaming that highlighted its impressive functions. 1. The ability to access any song from your music listening history 2. Algorithmic playlists which create personalised recommendations 3. A live feed of your friend’s current played song

Spotify Community Spotify Community supports an ‘ideas’ page where users can submit their suggestions for improvement. I found this an interesting place to look for more aspirational ideas and use them as a source of inspiration. _Playlist of the Evening (chose a timespan) _Online / Offline (a musical incognito mode) _Nostalgia Function _Fine Tune tracks from hits to discovery

I submitted an idea around ‘risk’ with hope of gaining some validation from other users. My submission was commented on by a moderator who replied to tell me a similar idea has already been submitted. It was a comfort that the idea had some ground.

The Radio In order to turn my thematic discoveries into a tangible product, the themes needed to be grounded in physical interactions. Radio presented itself as an icon for analogue interactions.

Relevance of the Radio In FMP P1 I highlighted the surprising popularity of the radio as a music listening medium. The radio is rich in terms of familiar interactions.

Tuning Dial

Antenna

The frequency window with the sliding pin is iconic to the radio - whether this is controlled by a dial, wheel or slider.

The extension of the antenna is recognisable as ‘expanding the range’.

Static A ‘between channels’ noise.

Volume A volume knob is recognisable across all audio devices - where clockwise correlates with an increase.

How can I use familiar analogue interactions and their functions in the context of contemporary music consumption?

Analogue Interactions The ‘deconstructed’ radio controls present thinking points around modern streaming consumption - each draws pulls out a benefit of streaming.

Discovery Antenna Theme: Instant access to an almost unlimited music library informed by our listening habits. Interaction: The antenna extension includes more new songs into listening session.

Nostalgia Dial Theme: Streaming platforms have record of our complete listening history. Interaction: Turning the dial scrolls back through the user’s entire listening history.

Friend Frequency Theme: The social aspect of sharing music Interaction: Changing the frequency will connect the user to their friends and play the tracks they are listening to.

Radio Deconstruction Taking apart an old radio helped me understand the components. I mostly wanted to examine the moving tuner needle so that I could work out whether I could create a moving needle in my own model.

The Devices With the radio deconstructed and elements defined, I gave each of the three features its own interaction and function relating to music streaming. I want to make the interactions distinct from one another but also have the three devices sit as a cohesive set.

Form As a more conceptual piece, it was important for the form to still maintain some technical legitimacy without losing the playful, thought provoking roots. Through sketching and quick foam iterations I developed the three forms.

I like the limited colours to highlight interactive / key features

technical

Language I want my design to bridge a gap between the analogue and the digital and so this should be reflected in the form and CMF decisions. The devices bring controls from radio into the context of streaming and so it is important to retain the familiarity of the controls as well as some technical legitimacy.

playful

Attractive and playful colours alongside more technical elements create a desirable look

Form and Features The use of radio features will remain central to the design so I think it will work well if the antenna + dials are taken from existing devices.

The antenna / dials were taken were either bough or taken from an existing radio

A combination of quick grey foam models and sketches helped progress the development of my form. I wanted to create more abstract forms that fit with the conceptual nature of the products.

LED buttons that indicate the device is activated.

I wanted to bring some colour back into my work. As I will be using the knobs / dials from existing radios these will have a more technical aesthetic. Colour is a simple method to introduce a ‘playful aspect into the devices.

CAD Visualisation Creating the forms in SolidWorks will help me plan and visualise the size and internal structure of the devices. This is also a start on creating the 3D models which can be 3D printed.

Attractive and playful colours alongside more technical elements create a desirable look

Proof Of Concept Whilst I wanted to create the working devices I realise this might not be doable in the time-scale. I also wanted to ensure the focus of the project remained on the design of the products and their meaning, rather than getting caught up in the technicalities.

An Introduction to Coding Whilst I worked on form it was important to begin to understand the technology that would be in each of the devices. I realised I would not be able to create completely working models as this would involve creating a whole database of music - something I did not have the time / skills to do. Clive assisted my in exploring some methods of communication, we set up a potentiometer to scrub through a video playing on a laptop. This would display what was happening with the music streaming. While it was interesting to see how the device might be coded, I was concerned using a laptop/video would imply this would be used when actually interacting with the devices.

potentio

ometer

Turning the potentiometer would scrub through the video.

Realistic Capabilities Having accepted I would not be able to make completely working models, I had to focus on what I would be able / have time to do. I wanted at least one of the devices to work to some extent so chose to focus on the Rewind (#2) and putting a LCD screen into the device that would change year as the device was used. The set up on the right, is roughly how the device would work.

Dial

Nut

Potentiometer

LCD Screen

Housing

Arduino

Battery

A ReDesign Knowing exactly what components I was going to use inside the devices I refined the forms to be 3D printed.

_Bright Colours _Simple Shapes _Colour Highlights _Single Interaction

MDF Size Test Lasercutting 3mm MDF helped me work out some dimensions so that the devices look proportional as a three. I lasercut the panels that feature electronic details. I then spray painted and added tape to gain insight into my colour choices.

Ditching the Pastels As a more conceptual piece I wanted to create a more dynamic, impactful look so here tested out some bright colours with black.

Device #1

Device #2

Device #3

Bold New Colour Scheme I wanted the devices to have some technical legitimacy, to look as though they encapsulated technology. I chose a ‘punchier’ colour scheme than I was initially planning. Ditching the pastel shades for more bold statement highlights. I bought these as spray paints.

#008782

Malachite

#66317c

Valerie

#d55d28

Pure Orange

An Element of Branding As a more personal interest, I wanted to add an element of branding to the devices. To help establish them as a cohesive three and peruse an artistic style.

Isometric I wanted to create some playful illustrations of the three devices, highlighting their individual shapes and colours. These will then be used in posters, graphics and leaflets. I plan to make an instruction booklet featuring them. A black background also works well with the graphics, especially on screen.

Naming As a more speculative piece the branding felt less important than in a consumer product however I still wanted to create a rounded project with a name + design language + overall style.

playback playback playback

Device #2 Rewind

Device #1 Discover

Device #3 Connect

Brand Identity: Playful Familiarity Establishing a brand identity was importantant increating a concice message; a well rounded, cohesive set of three would more effectively tell the story of my project.

Slightly abstract forms, link to more conceptual / thought-provoking element

Colour highlights

Three bright distinguished colours

Goals 1.Creat joyful interations through familiar tactile motions 2.Provoke thinking around modern music consumption

Retro Neon As an aesthetic I wanted to take inspiration from the 80’s technology - the new and exciting retro neon style. I aim to carry this into my photography and create some moody and impactful imagery.

09 Making With my CAD components completed I was able to begin the final making process. This would include a combination of laser cutting and 3D printing.

Laser Cutting + 3D Printing The bases of my devices were relatively simple and so easier to laser cut from some 5mm acrylic and two parts. I 3D printed the bodies of each device as they were shelled and had some smaller details.

Priming The acrylic bases were already smooth so didn’t need many coats of primer / much sanding. I gave each 3 coats of a light primer and a light sand with some high grit paper. If anything, I possibly spent too long priming / sanding the bases.

The acrylic bases were already smooth so didn’t need many coats of primer / much sanding.

Spray Painting The key to painting was to go slow and steady, adding colour layer by layer. Adding a thin later each time to create a clean, even coat. I also added vinyl stickers to the bodies before painting the create an embossed logo effect.

Assembly With all the pieces primed and painted I began assembly. I used a hot clue gun to affix some of the electrical components in place but for the most part the pieces just sit together so I can access switches / batteries.

Frequency Display Test To create the effect of a radio frequency display I layered laser cut card onto translucent acrylic - back lit by an LED strip.

Device #3 has an LED strip behind the acrylic wall to create a back lit effect. The needle could be slid along the wall from underneath.

Device #1 used a small LED button, coded to stay on until pushed again. The antenna was simply glued.

Device #2 contained the most technology. The potentiometer was coded to light up the LCD screen which displayed the years from 1990 to 2020.

3 Weeks To Go With the models underway and deadline three weeks away I wanted to define exactly what my deliverables would be. This would help me plan day by day what I needed to achieve.

Refined Deliverables A0 Board Video Prototype Product Photography Digital Poster Information Booklet

Complete Models

Plan Video

Assemble Models

Plan Shoot Plan Shoot Photo Studio 11:00

Print + Bind Booklet

Model Photo + GIF?

Boards + CPJ

Hand-In

Edit photos Edit Video for booklet

16 Edit Video

Send off Booklet

Boards + CPJ

10 Final Deliverables With my models completed and assembled it was time to create the final deliverables. I booked the photo studio with the hopes of capturing some impactful imagery and shooting footage to create a video.

Photo Shoot #1 I booked the photographic studio with the intention to film and photograph the devices. I didn’t, however, have enough of a plan and this resulted in a rush for time. I struggled to create the atmospheric lighting I desired. I am happy with some of the photos but aim to book another session in the studio to complete filming and retake some photos.

Colour I used coloured gels on the studio lights to create an overall colour which I matched to the base colour of the device in focus. As well as a RGB light bulb which I could hold to create the desired highlights on the models.

Magazine I wanted to create a magazine style booklet to present some of the product photographs and graphics . As well as present the devices as new and exciting product. Whilst I know the project is more conceptual I wanted ‘sell’ the devices as if they were new technology for music listening.

I had the magazine printed and bound at a local printing service. This allowed me to achieve the glossy magazine finish.

Render Progression I booked the photographic studio with the intention to film and photograph the devices. I didn’t, however, have enough of a plan and this resulted in a rush for time. I struggled to create the atmospheric lighting I desired. Below are some quick, low-res renders showing the progressive change in composition / lighting.

GEOMETRY VIEW

Keyshot Learning Curve I felt a definite improvement in my keyshot skills throughout this process. I became more comfortable with material graphs - aiming to add more complex textures to the models to product a more realistic render. I also experimented with lighting a lot more. I used HDRI set ups and added planes as area lights in order to gain the desired effect.

MATERIAL GRAPH

Lighting Difficulty I wanted to use a render in my final presentation as I was unable to achieve the composition / shot through photography. A render would allow me to control the placement and lighting exactly. However, I underestimated the time it would take to get a render I was happy with. The materials never quite look right.

With some additional Photoshop work, this would be the render I used on my final A0 presentation board.

Photo Shoot #2 I booked the photographic studio with the intention to film and photograph the devices. I didn’t, however, have enough of a plan and this resulted in a rush for time. I struggled to create the atmospheric lighting I desired. I was especially pleased with one photo in particulair, which I decided to make into a poster.

Filming Issues I struggled to film in both of my photography studio sessions. I was hoping to film with the same kind of dramatic lighting set up in my photographs. The effect was not the same over video. I opted for cleaner, white and natural lighting to get a clearer image. Along with a lighter graph paper.

Introduction to After Effects To create a more dynamic video I wanted to add some small animations to my introduction and throughout. This meant using Adobe’s After Effects for the first time. I found I picked it up, slowly at first, but managed to create some moving parts to assist in the communication of my devices.

The Final (Additio

27 May 2021

accessories for the music streamer

Magazine

Moving Poster

Exploration Video

onal) Deliverables

Poster

Product Video

Poster

Personal Reflection This project was both the longest and most challenging I have undertaken at university. With each development, new challenges arose as well as opportunities to learn. Most notably, I underestimated the time it would take to create a high quality model, a high quality render and the time it takes to effectively communicate a 7 month project. I was very happy with the overall final finish of my physical models, the decision to use black and bright colours definitely created the bold look I was seeking. However, given more time I would like to rephotograph them. Having now familiarised myself with the photography studio I feel the results would be superior. Whilst I did initially steer into the conceptual project territory, I have enjoyed the different challenges and opportunities it brings. I have developed an interest in more speculative design, where design provokes thinking around user’s behaviour. Which, I believe the playback products do.

With Thanks To Anthony Forsyth Clive Wright Kanchana Bell Johnny Hayes

FMP / Hannah Tomlinson / DE6013