Make the music! Feel the vibes!
Creating a multi-sensory experience
In 2022, we had an ambitious idea to create a multi-sensory and therapeutic musical experience for wellbeing.
With Trailblazer funding thanks to Bristol and Bath Creative R+D, we are exploring experimental immersive musical experiences with our early-stage Music Cushion prototypes.
Our Inspiration
In our research, we have been exploring the therapeutic benefits of music. Our long-term vision is to build on our extensive research to combine our tactile textiles, and our growing understanding of the value of sensory therapies (visual, sound, touch) with advances in technology to deliver a collection of ground-breaking therapeutic products in response to this need.
“Music therapy facilitates positive changes in emotional wellbeing and communication through the engagement in live and musical interaction... facilitating communication skills, improved self-confidence, and independence.”
Our aim with this stage of prototyping was to develop a musical tool that care providers and therapists can customise.
The Team
We assembled a brilliant team of technologists, musicians and designers for this project:
Charlie Williams
Creative Technologist
Adrian Snell
Music Therapist
Annie Lywood
Product Designer
A huge thank you to the ecosystem of creatives involved in this project including the team at Pervasive Media Studio and The Studio in Bath. You all helped us reach our initial ambition of creating an accessible prototype. Our ambition has been to put musicians, non-musicians, and people’s wellbeing at the heart of the musical experience.
What Have We Created So Far?
So far we have created a set of cushions that are reactive and playful, each designed to have a role and a character. We have a music app with a simple control interface, three themed soundscapes that can be addressed to each cushion.
Every cushion was designed to have a distinct theme and character. The shape, colour, pattern, texture, and soundscape work in harmony to provide an immersive and playful experience.
We want to encourage playful exploration to empower people to take part in a shared musical experience. Currently, moving and playing with the cushion affects the sound that is addressed to it.
Testing
We have been testing our prototypes…
“I liked it engaged different senses. The sounds was really rewarding. I enjoyed seeing how it would respond to me.”
“When my movements were more gentle and slow the sound was a little more gentle and slow.”
The more we test, the more we discover about the potential applications of the music cushion…
“I think this could have lots of applications for music therapy. it also has a use for grown ups who have never had this kind of free play experience.”
Testing with experienced music therapist Adrian Snell has been invaluable in understanding the different contexts in which our music cushions can be useful.
Adrian and Charlie in deep discussion testing our cushion
“The more I can give something to my students that they can interact with - bang, shake, move, the more they are immediately drawn into the learning process... it’s incredibly powerful because you’re not just immersing them with sound, you’re giving them the physical experience too.”
“Seeing people interact with our prototypes has been one of the most rewarding parts of the project.”
- Annie Lywood
What’s Next?
We are now even more ambitious and excited about the potential of the music cushion. We are exploring the next phase of development for this playful and immersive musical experience - so watch this space!
A big thank you to everyone involved in this project. We are so excited for the future and look forward to updating you with future developments!