Exploring past memories through the power of sound
The overall aim of the Industrial sound design course was to gain an increased understanding, awareness and experience of how sound can be utilized to enhance the design experience of the form language and user interface of a product.
Starting point
SYNE is a concept of an audio reminiscence therapy tool that uses sound stimulations to help individuals with dementia remember events from their past. It allows for easy and intuitive sound layering that supports the exploration of feelings of reminiscence.
Design proposal
David Bertl (APD)
Nathanael Boell (APD)
Sinan Altun (APD)
Team
Context
2.5 weeks project
Umeå Institute of Design during spring 2021
Contribution to the project
conceptualization, sound design
UI, experience prototyping
”How might we create a product that enables people to immerse themselves in feelings of reminiscence?”
Project timeline
Before we started the project, we had 1 week of sound design classes where we explored the use of sound in design. We then started the 2.5 weeks design sprint with a short research phase during which we conducted some desktop research and interviewed a gerontopsychologist. We then had intense ideation sessions during which we explored different ways to create a product that could be used as sound reminiscence therapy medium. Afterwards, we took our concept through several rounds of iteration to refine the product, the app, and the interaction path. Finally we created a video to better explain the experience of our concept.
Research insights
Our research showed us that dementia can trigger anxiety and depression. Not only do these mental illnesses cause suffering to people living with dementia, but they actually worsen the state of the dementia, creating a downward spiral. That’s why it is important to treat these mental health conditions.
It is challenging to treat the anxiety and depression of dementia patients because a lot of traditional therapy tools cannot be used due to the inabilities of such people to talk about the recent past.
Care professionals use different sensory mediums to help dementia patients express themselves during therapy sessions. One of them is sound reminiscence therapy. Sounds are used to help people living with dementia recall memories of their past. Not only does it provide them comfort, but it also helps them process present feelings.
Values behind SYNE
Simplicity
People living with dementia can easily get overwhelmed by new things. That’s why we decided to create a product looks simple and is easy to use.
Error-proofness
Constant memory-loss already cause daily frustrations to people living with dementia. Over time these feelings can negatively impact people’s self-esteem. That is why it is important to design products that are error-proof.
Playfulness
Games are often used as part of therapies. They provide good ways to connect and interact with people living with dementia. Additionally, according to the therapist we interviewed, playfulness helps people stay happy.
Creativity
The therapist we interviewed told us that “creativity is healing” and that it plays a crucial role in helping people overcome mental health struggles.
A product/app combination
We decided to go for a product/app combination.
The therapist first uses the app to select the sounds that the pebble will create. The product is then used during the session with the dementia patient. Afterward, the therapist can use the app again to take notes on the effects the sounds had on the patient.
The app
The app is used to load the pebbles with different sounds. It mainly functions as a sound library through which the therapist can select sounds that are likely to trigger reminiscence feelings.
The Product
Sound and interactions
A warm and soft tone, split in an octave (G1 - G2)
to strengthen the confirmation
A warm and soft tone, split in a quint (G1 - D1)
similar to the sound of an orchestra tuning
short, high pitched, low volume sound
reminiscent of a chisel sound
Sound mapping of the interactions
Process
Messy form exploration of the product and of the app
Using LEGOs at the beginning of the process to do some quick experience prototyping
Early wireframing
My teammates discussing the physical design of the product
Exploring the experience of the product with our cardboard prototype
My teammates discussing the form of the product
Working on the interface while my teammates are working on the CAD model
Nate working on the physical mockup
Sinan, Davide and Nate during the filming of the video
We used Miro throughout the project as a place to share ideas, plan our daily tasks, and to monitor the project
Finding the correct angle
Personal takeaways
Working with sound was quite challenging at first but then proved to be really rewarding. This project gave me a glimpse into the infinite possible uses of sound in design.
Collaborating with three students from the Advanced Product Design master was a great experience. It allowed me to better understand how industrial designers work.