velosynth
rhizome 2011 commissions proposal · michael felix, brooklyn, ny · contact: mfelix@effalo.com
SUMMARY
velosynth proposes to augment the bicycle with a layer of sound that encourages proxemic awareness within the transportation environment
DESCRIPTION
within the transportation environment, the bicycle remains difficult to classify. being small and agile affords the bicycle to move between sidewalks and roads, at times blurring the two contexts into a hybrid form. such a multimodal capability actively challenges the sensibilities of both pedestrians and motorists, whose rules of locomotion are far less variable. to the cyclist, the bicycle represents freedom and self-sufficiency, yet to those walking or driving it may appear quite differently. this dynamic places the cyclist in a peculiar space in which proxemic awareness is influenced by the unfolding of social, environmental, and kinetic events.
we intend to design and fabricate a device that augments the bicycle with a localized field of synthesized sound. through the use of a spoke-attached magnet and fork-mounted sensor, the speed of the bicycle can be calculated. together with a measurement of acceleration, a comprehensive profile of the movement of the bicycle can be generated and compared against a schema of interaction modes, e.g. speeding up, cruising, slowing down. in accordance with the mode of operation, movement data is interpreted into auditory feedback and broadcast at an appropriate volume. it is not our intention to develop a bicycle safety device, but moreover to explore the coupling of motion to sound and its viability in enhancing the awareness of the bicycle within the transportation environment. we expect new forms of communication, social engagement, and musical expression to emerge as a result.
we propose to manufacture a small run of these devices (10-20, depending on final cost) and choreograph a performance of sound and movement using multiple bicycles in a public place. the process will be actively documented; all plans and schematics will be open-sourced upon completion of a viable prototype. the project will be lead by michael felix, with consultation from andrew kurtz (development), ezra spier (development), and brian crabtree (synthesis framework). the commission will allow the project to receive a much-needed redesign of its control and synthesis systems, in addition to facilitating the first large-scale test of its emergent behavior.
PREVIOUS DEVELOPMENT
the velosynth project was initiated in 2009 and is presently maintained by EFFALO. in the summer of 2010, an initial prototype was completed and a small run of 12 devices were sold via a successful kickstarter fundraising effort. the project received a mention in the 4th quarter 2010 print edition of design indaba magazine and was a runner-up for the 2010 kickstarter awards, 'best small project' category. a few notable pieces of video documentation follow; more information can be found at: http://velosynth.com.
BUDGET
the quantity of devices produced for the commission will vary with unit cost, which itself is dependent upon the scope and complexity of the hardware and software systems. a run of 10-20 devices is anticipated, with any remaining funds going toward the fabrication and assembly of more devices. the estimated cost per device is outlined below.
| microcontroller (jeenode) | $30 |
| sensors (hall effect sensors, accelerometer, supporting circuitry) | $40 |
| synthesizer (DAC, amplifier, speaker, supporting circuitry) | $30 |
| circuit board | $30 |
| enclosure (3d printing, velcro, bungee) | $30 |
| fabrication expense (use of tools and consumables) | $10 |
| other parts (wires, hardware) | $10 |
| estimated cost per unit | $180 |
| estimated cost for 20 units | $3600 |
| miscellaneous costs (usb ftdi cables, tools, hardware) | $200 |
| artist fee | $1000 |
| TOTAL | $4800 |
TIMELINE
the following schedule allows for the existing velosynth pattern to be reworked and documented. after a successful prototype has been produced, time will be allowed for the composition of interaction patterns which convert motion data into sound. once a pattern has been established, parts will be gathered and a production run will commence. a performance will be scheduled on a nice day and will occur in a public place.
| research and design, prototype device | 2 months |
| composition and programming | 2 months |
| sourcing of parts, circuit boards, and fabrication | 2 months |
| performance/exhibit | TBD |
| TOTAL | ~6 months |
ABOUT THE ARTIST
michael felix is a design scientist concerned with the subtle interactions that occur between humans, nature, and technology. his interests lie more within the development of adaptive systems over pre-visualized concepts designed for aesthetics alone. this focus has grown from his attraction toward emergent processes - specifically the study of ecological systems and their effectiveness in gradually unfolding order and function. through his work, he seeks to apply a similar living process towards the deployment of expressive frameworks that evolve form and behavior as a result of local context.
INTERESTS
his present research interests center around the application of sound as a medium for conveying data, and the utilization of microlocal space as a canvas for conducting human/computer interaction. he also maintains an interest in developing parametric spaceframe systems for the fabrication of geodesic domes and other nature-inspired geometric forms. beyond design, michael also records and performs electronic music under the % (pronounced owner/operator) moniker.
WORK
michael began his career as the lead interaction designer at Revelation in portland, oregon. under his supervision, he guided the user research and iterative design process behind a complete redesign of the company's existing online qualitative research platform. in addition to interaction design, he also developed Revelation's brand identity through an array of interactive, exhibit, and print-based marketing projects.
having established EFFALO in 2010, michael has since lead the research and design organization in the production of a diverse range of endeavors, ranging from velosynth - a bicycle interaction synthesizer, to MAKERFACTORY - a crowdsourced manufacturing service. in 2011, michael co-founded /parallelogram/ with trent gill as an outlet for interactive music software and released mlrv 2, a software instrument for grid-based music controllers. michael also consults as the interaction designer for fulcrum, where he collaboratively generates product and service systems for a range of corporate clientele.
BIOGRAPHY
| 1983 | born in birmingham, alabama |
| 1999 | first job, computer programming |
| 2001 | studied computer science |
| 2003 | worked in a power plant |
| 2004-05 | undergraduate degree in environmental design |
| 2005-07 | masters degree in industrial design |
| 2007 | arrived in portland, oregon |
| 2007-10 | employed as lead interaction designer @ Revelation |
| 2010 | founded EFFALO |
| 2011 | arrived in brooklyn, new york |
| 2011 | co-founded /parallelogram/ |
ACTIVITIES
| 1996 | odyssey of the mind world finals in aimes, iowa |
| 2009 | performance at monomeet in princeton, new jersey, as % |
| 2010 | "velosynth in five minutes" presentation at Web Visions conference in portland, oregon |
| 2010 | artist-in-residency @ monome farm in delhi, new york |
| 2011 | artist-in-residency @ makerbot in brooklyn, new york |
| 2011 | core77 curiosity club presentation in portland, oregon |
PUBLICATIONS
- "Trellis: a blog-based approach to the development, organization, and visualization of ideas" — graduate thesis, 2007
- "Building Trellises" — online publication, 2008
