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ALTER AUDIO
http://mobilelab.ca/alteraudio
What effect does location have on the experience and how does interactivity effect the experience of the location? How can a user’s experience of the environment be enhanced? What are the appropriate methodologies to approach a mobile experience design?
The Alter Audio Project is an audio composition and collaboration prototype that allows users to interact through the creation and reception of sound on their mobile devices. Previous user research has pointed to the importance of audio interfaces in mobile interactive experiences. Through this learning the Lab investigated how an audio interface could signal the presence of users and objects in a specified location.
Starting from basic interactive elements the Alter Audio project created several working sub-prototypes through an iterative design process. Each step in the design process was tested and built upon through user feedback, and designer and engineer collaboration. Through these successive layers the user experience became more nuanced and engaging. And as a result solid prototypes were developed that could be adapted to various content.
In one prototype the proximity between players was used to trigger
various soundtracks. Bluetooth technology was used to detect the presence
of players within a small playing field. Virtual hotspots were also used
to trigger various soundscapes and change the user’s experience
of the surroundings. In charrettes held throughout
the project’s lifespan intensive workshops were used to further
develop concepts based on completed prototypes.
A public demonstration of the technology was held at Words Aloud! Spoken Word Festival. For this demonstration named Phone Noir voices of spoken-word artists, reading Casablanca-like verses, were ‘deposited’ in a determined space. Users, depending on their location and movement throughout this space could hear voices, at times, overlap and at others come in and out of range. Both Bluetooth and GPS versions of the prototype were developed to adapt to the technical characteristics of indoor and outdoor connectivity.
This project formed part of the Mobile Digital Commons Network and was
instrumental in the development of urban park experiences
in Banff and Montreal.
Principal Investigators:
Sara Diamond
President, Ontario College of Art & Design
Michael Longford
Concordia University
Lead Researchers:
Geoffrey Shea
Assistant Professor, Ontario College of Art & Design
Paula Gardner, PhD
Assistant Dean, Ontario College of Art & Design
