This Gadget Gives the Hearing Impaired a Different Way to Experience Sound
Katherine Pendrill — August 19, 2015 — Tech
References: dhadji & fastcodesign
'Vi' a tabletop device that provides a new way for individuals with hearing impairments to experience sound. While music is often understood in terms of audible noises, this device turns beautiful melodies into a visual and tactile experience.
The device was designed by Dimitri Hadjichristou as a way to help hearing impaired children experience sound and music. Hadjichristou discovered that the brain can rewire itself to experience sound through vibrations. Based on this idea, Hadjichristou designed a tactile device that allows children to feel the rhythm of different sounds. Vi contains modular Korg synthesizers and a set of ball bearings that bounce around when the music is playing. Children can then wrap their hands around the device to experience the vibrations produced by the different sounds.
Beyond helping children with hearing impairments, Vi can also be used for children with conditions such as Autism.
The device was designed by Dimitri Hadjichristou as a way to help hearing impaired children experience sound and music. Hadjichristou discovered that the brain can rewire itself to experience sound through vibrations. Based on this idea, Hadjichristou designed a tactile device that allows children to feel the rhythm of different sounds. Vi contains modular Korg synthesizers and a set of ball bearings that bounce around when the music is playing. Children can then wrap their hands around the device to experience the vibrations produced by the different sounds.
Beyond helping children with hearing impairments, Vi can also be used for children with conditions such as Autism.
Trend Themes
1. Tactile Sound Experience - A trend in creating devices that provide tactile sensations to enhance sound experiences, catering to individuals with hearing impairments and other conditions.
2. Sensory Music Technology - A trend in developing innovative technology that stimulates multiple senses, such as touch and vibration, to create a more immersive music experience.
3. Adaptive Music Devices - A trend in designing devices that can be customized and adapted to meet the unique needs of individuals with disabilities, empowering them to engage with music in new ways.
Industry Implications
1. Assistive Technology - The industry that specializes in creating devices and solutions to assist individuals with disabilities, presenting opportunities to develop advanced tactile musical devices like Vi.
2. Music Technology - The industry that focuses on creating innovative music-related technologies, offering opportunities to incorporate tactile sensations into musical devices for a more inclusive and immersive music experience.
3. Special Education - The field of education that supports individuals with disabilities, providing opportunities to integrate tactile musical devices like Vi as effective tools for promoting sensory and music-based learning.
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