Hannah Tomlinson / FMP / DE6013
Contemporary Music Consumption An in-depth study of the evolution of music consumption, cross-referenced with interview responses provided me with an insight into the changing themes of music consumption. The popularity of streaming services such as Spotify and Pandora suggest an upcoming movement towards more seamless and more integrated listening, that might not even include a user interface. However, physical forms of music such as vinyls, CDs and tapes are refusing to die out - and in some cases, see a resurgence. This is due to the satisfaction of owning a physical copy, the audio quality, the ability to interact and the physical space which can be organised. Furthermore, consumers found an aversion to streaming platforms as a result of the digital overload often felt when making decisions around music / discovering new music.
Familiar Interactions Taking the themes uncovered in research and some initial ideas as how to approach them, I started to create quick card models. Each with one simple / familiar interaction that could be linked to an action carried out while listening to music. With some action came before interaction and some the inverse. I found the most impactful interactions to be those that built on already ingrained interactions. The use of familiar shapes or devices created a preset as to how users might interact with the device. I tested a few house hold objects to see how users might - with prompts use them. Using a device which uses ingrained interactions feels like a ‘short-cut’ to creating a more meaningful tactility.
Analogue vs Digital There is a satisfaction associated with tangible interactions - the physicality of a button or switch. Especially in terms of an emotion driven medium such as music, where physical touch can be used to closely control and manipulate the tracks. For most people, this is lost in the new generation of digital music streaming. Despite the many benefits of streaming music, there is a rift between digital consumption and physical satisfaction.
Deconstructing the Radio tactile interaction
digital benefits
The radio is a music listening medium that, interestingly, refuses to die; despite the seemingly annoying drawbacks such as advertisements and the inability to chose a song. For some users, the removal of decision making is actually the biggest benefit. The also radio presents itself as an icon for rich, analogue interactions. It’s a medium that refuses to die. Its history and place in the household has made sure that it’s interactions have become ingrained. This made the radio the perfect candidate to base tactile
Volume Knob
Tuning Dial
Antenna
accessories for the music streamer / a commentary of contemporary music consumption The playback devices are accessories for the modern music streamer. Their functions highlight the exciting new features of music streaming. All whilst maintaining the satisfying tactility of analogue products. In the modern world of touch screen interactions it’s easy to become disconnected from our music. We dismiss streaming services as inferior music listening platforms instead placing vinyls and CDs on a nostalgia fuelled pedestal. But streaming services provide a whole host of benefits. With an almost endless library of songs available instantly, the world of digital music is quite literally at our fingertips. Services such as Spotify, for example, are constantly analysing the tracks we play over and over to create personalised playlists and suggestions. The playback devices allow us to tap into the new and exciting features of the next generation of music listening.
1.0 Discover
2.0 Rewind
3.0 Connect
Analogue Feature: Antenna Digital Benefit: Unlimited Discovery
Analogue Feature: Volume Knob Digital Benefit: Instant Nostalgia Fulfilment
Analogue Feature: Frequency Tuner Digital Benefit: Increased Social Connection
The music we stream is constantly being evaluated to create new track suggestions. Streaming platforms provide users with access to an almost limitless music library. The discover device takes the antenna - an iconic radio feature - to aid in the discovery of new music. The farther the antenna is extended, the more ‘new’ or ‘risky’ songs will be played. While the antenna is not extended at all, only songs the user frequently streams will be played.
Music streaming platforms posses records of our entire listening history, from the very first track you ever streamed. This device takes advantage of that ability to instantly access any song or artist you have previously streamed. The large dial takes inspiration from a volume knob - a staple feature of most audio devices. Twist the dial to scroll back through the years and play every song you’ve ever listened to in order of first listen. The LCD screen displays the year to give the user a sense of time.
Despite our increasingly connected digital world, many music listeners find sharing music over streaming platforms more disconnected and less personal. Services such as Spotify allow users to view live the tracks their friends are currently playing. The Connect device uses a radio’s tuner - however, rather than tuning into radio stations, connect to your friends. The different ‘ frequencies’ will play whatever your friends are playing.
Friend #1 is playing
New tracks
Frequently played tracks
Save Your Tears 1997, first listen to Candle in the Wind
Friend #2 is playing Love Story
2007, first listen to The Sweet Escape
An 80s Vibe The intention of the devices is to remind the user that there are many benefits to streaming music. Despite thoughts that it might be an inferior music listening format. 80s technology advertisements and a retro neon aesthetic inspired the visuals. The aim here was to ‘sell’ the product - despite them being more conceptual - as new technology. To sell the exciting, new benefits of streaming as if was a new CD player. I created a series of posters and a printed magazine, all selling the devices as if they were new technology.
Conceptual Design
While the playback devices have real and interesting individual functions. Their primary motive is to provoke thinking around music consumption, as a commentary on how music can now be interacted with. To use satisfying analogue tactility in the context of modern music consumption.
How it Works The devices are linked via WIFI to the user’s streaming device. (Like a Google Home device) They are to be used while streaming music through the regular channel of a phone/ laptop ect. Rather than interact with the screen, users interact with the tactile products.