Aura
a multi-dimensional music experience
Timeline: 10 weeks
Brief: Design a consumer electronic audio device, emphasizing user interaction, and universal design principles
Aura creates a immersive multimodal musical experience for users combining haptic vibrations and audio sound
final
Research & Opportunity Selection
user interviews
how to people currently prefer to experience music?
what current products improve immersive audio experiences?
market analysis
current immersive sound products use haptics and bone conduction to translate sound waves into vibrations on the body strong enough to be felt physically
personal wearable haptic audio device
pulling the technology from current immersive sound products, and creating a form that easily integrates into daily wear without being obtrusive like current options.
opportunity selection
Location Exploration
using base heavy songs, and current listening devices to translate the vibration, I tested many high touch sensory locations on the body for product placement
Ideation
how can a haptic audio device sit comfortably on a body while getting optimal access to high touch sensitive locations?
selected locations: neck/chest and wrists
Development
the final design has 2 wrist straps, and a neck band supporting 4 total haptic bases, each base has 2 linear resonant actuators, so a full set supports 8 distinct haptic rhythms
the neck band supports directional speakers for users who want them, allowing for personal spatial listening, while using the haptic sonics for an immersive body experience
Aura
internal components:
interchangeable control piece
pin holes for button actuators
pcb and components
lithium ion battery
linear resonant actuators (2)
standard 20mm watch band pins
