DRUMØ1
DRUMØ1 Is An AI-Powered Drum Machine
Team Project
2023 Spring, 5 weeks
Interaction Intelligence (MIT)
Info:
Team:
Artem Laptiev (MIT)
Skills:
Industrial Design; Electronics; Prototyping
Tools:
Solidworks; Illustrator; Laser Cutter; 3D Printing; Arduino; Google Magenta
As a team, we collaborated on the brainstorming and integration of the prototype. I worked primarily with hardware/electronics design. My responsibilities include sketching, CAD modeling, fabrication, and visual design.
Role:
DrumØ1 generates digital rhythms based on simple user inputs while providing control over individual creativity.
DRUMØ1’s brain is powered with Drums-RNN by Google Magenta
One-Line Pixel Interface works with Drumo1 to visualize the beat pattern.
Background Pixel
Metronome
System Diagram
Product Diagram
There are 9 channels, each associated with a primary drum instrument. Users may choose a channel to input a custom beat into.
Brainstorming
I brainstormed different interaction touchpoint configurations, trying to understand the most accessible and intuitive layout according to the device workflow
While exploring the overall product architecture, I explored different interaction modes with the individual components, aiming to make it fun, experimental, and easy to control
Initial Prototype
Cardboard Prototype
Circuit Prototype
Integrated Model
User Testing
We tested the breadboard and integrated prototype with different users to get feedback on
the overall device configuration
Capacitive input experience
Other Input Features (rotary encoder, red wheel for micro-adjustment of tempo)
User Feedback
Users liked the overall device configuration and the mechanical feedback of the buttons. However, they did not like the capacitive touch as a beat input, and felt that rotary encoder is too slow for tempo adjustments.
Sheet Metal Housing Construction
Button Configuration
Indicator Lights
Exploded View
What do DJs Think?
“I see a lot of potential in improvising beats on the spot”
“It will be much easier to use with a more precise temp adjustment”
“It is a fine balance between preserving the artists’ individual creativity and AI creation”
