Musical Turn Wheel : Cy Kim + Olivia Kung

Cy Kim + Olivia Kung

12/07/16

Project Video

Abstract

Our project is a wheel with 3 notched dials, which makes 3 different tones. Each dial can be adjusted to make music with different rhythms when the whole wheel is turned. The wheel is manually turned by hand varying the tempo.

Objectives

Our goal was to incite a sense of musical wonder in children and try to demonstrate a correlation between visual notation and aural structure with the notched dials.

Implementation

The objective was simplicity and emphasis on the rotary motion that would output noises based on the motion. In order to achieve this we created a singular turn wheel with three dials. Each dial emits a different tone, which is triggered by photo-resistors sensing light through the notches. The dials can be rotated individually and based on its orientation relative to each other the musical structure changes. The wheel was pitched so that is is more approachable to children of different heights and faces outwards so that children across room can notice it.

Outcomes

We think that the interface was successful in inciting a sense of wonder in children at varying degrees. Some children would be engrossed in the dials and their positioning beyond 5 minutes while others were interested in the overall rotational motion, testing the spinning to its limits. Overall, they understood that there is a correlation between the noise emitted and rotational movement. What could have been further developed were the notch distribution and the possibility for the notches to be varied by the user, so that it has the potential to be an instrument.

Contribution

Design and Project Management : Cy + Olivia

Software and Circuitry: Olivia

Physical Design and Fabrication: Cy

Photo Documentation.