All work
Interaction Design
/
2024
Headset That Listens to Colour
A wearable prototype that translates colour into sound — exploring how physical computing can make visual information more accessible.
Client
Parsons — Personal Project
Role
Interaction Design • Physical Computing • Graphic Design
Tools
Arduino, TouchDesigner
Timeline
2024
Skills demonstrated
Accessibility Research
Interaction Design
Physical Computing
Arduino
TouchDesigner
Rapid Prototyping
User Testing
Creative Coding
Experience Design
Wearable Technology
(01)
Seeing Colour Through Sound
Colour plays a significant role in how people navigate and interpret the world, yet not everyone experiences it in the same way. This project explored how wearable technology could translate color into sound, creating an alternative way to perceive visual information. Using Arduino, TouchDesigner, and custom hardware, I designed and prototyped an interactive headset that transformed real-time color data into unique audio feedback.
Beyond the wearable prototype, I designed all supporting visual communications for the project, including the promotional poster, printed booklet, concept video, and presentation graphics. These materials established a consistent visual identity while helping explain the technology, research, and user experience behind the prototype.
(02)
Challenge
How can technology make visual information more accessible without relying on traditional screens or text?
This project investigated whether color could be experienced through another sense by creating an intuitive relationship between visual input and sound. The goal was to develop an interactive wearable that encouraged users to experience color in a new way while exploring accessibility, perception, and multisensory interaction.
(03)
My Role
I contributed to:
User research and concept development
Interaction and experience design
Arduino sensor integration
Audio mapping and interaction testing
Graphic design and documentation
User testing and iterative refinement
(04)
Building the Prototype
The headset combined a color sensor, Arduino microcontroller, and custom software built in TouchDesigner to capture color information in real time. Different color values triggered unique audio responses, allowing users to associate sound with visual input through interaction.
(05)
Research
Before building the prototype, I explored existing accessibility technologies, color perception, and multisensory design. This research informed how colors could be translated into distinct audio cues that users could quickly recognize while keeping the interaction intuitive and responsive.
(06)
Outcome
The final prototype demonstrated how physical computing and interaction design can be combined to create alternative ways of experiencing visual information. Beyond the technical implementation, the project reinforced the importance of designing technology that is both intuitive and accessible for diverse users.
What I learned
This project expanded my understanding of accessibility-focused design, rapid prototyping, and multidisciplinary collaboration between hardware and software. It reinforced that successful interaction design requires balancing technical implementation with thoughtful user experience and continuous iteration.
Skills demonstrated
Accessibility Research
Interaction Design
Physical Computing
Arduino
TouchDesigner
Rapid Prototyping
User Testing
Creative Coding
Experience Design
Wearable Technology