Octavius
A music performance platform
Role
Personal Project
Octavius is a personal project that I developed to explore the intersection of technology and musical expression within the context of electronic music. The goal was to create a versatile, gridless performance controller that allowed musicians to break free from the constraints imposed by traditional interfaces. The project involved designing both hardware and software, utilizing Arduino, Max MSP, and custom-built components to bring the concept to life.
Objectives
The primary objective of Octavius was to understand how technology influences the creative process of electronic musicians and to develop a tangible interface that enhances musical expression. By gathering insights from musicians and performers, I aimed to create a platform that allows for a more fluid and intuitive interaction with electronic music.
Challenges
One of the main challenges was translating the concept of a gridless performance controller into a practical and usable product. The design needed to be flexible enough to cater to different user preferences while maintaining a minimalistic approach. Additionally, ensuring reliable wireless communication between the devices and the host computer presented a significant technical hurdle.
Design and Prototyping
Drawing from the insights gathered, I experimented with various shapes before settling on a square design for the interface. The square shape provided a familiar and versatile canvas that could accommodate a range of layouts, catering to both traditional and experimental uses.
The hardware was built using Arduino for its simplicity and flexibility, along with 3D-printed casings and custom pressure-detecting components. The PCBs were also custom-made, and the button pads were repurposed from a Native Instruments Maschine controller to expedite the prototyping process.
One of the most challenging aspects was establishing reliable wireless communication between the individual devices and the host computer. After exploring various options, I implemented a mesh networking solution that allowed the devices to communicate effectively.
User Research and Concept Development
I began by speaking with electronic musicians from around the world, visiting their studios, and observing how they interacted with their equipment. These interviews revealed that many musicians felt limited by their gear, which often dictated the type of music they created. The feedback highlighted a desire for a more open-ended, expressive tool that didn't confine them to rigid grids or predefined layouts.
To gain further insights, I also consulted with Brian Crabtree, the creator of Monome, and a few interaction designers to discuss the feasibility and potential impact of such a project. This research led me to consider a gridless approach for Octavius, focusing on a customizable interface that would allow musicians to define their own workflows.
Software Development
The software for Octavius was developed in Max MSP, a platform well-suited for creating interactive musical applications. Early software features were directly influenced by user feedback, including a loop-style sequencer with effects controlled by the rotation of each square. This approach allowed users to experiment with new ways of interacting with their music, pushing the boundaries of traditional electronic music performance.
