AX-101
Reimagining the synthesizer
The aim of this design project is to create a unique and innovative instrument that combines the familiarity and accessibility of the guitar with the versatility and creativity of a synthesizer. By doing so, I hope to provide musicians of all levels with a new way to explore sound and express themselves through electronic sounds, thus reimagining the synthesizer. These electronic instruments are highly complex at first glance; therefore, I want to target users who are new to the instrument to bring a more user-friendly experience. Both beginners and professionals are encouraged to use it.
SKETCH ITERATIONS
Through the various iterations of shape design, I chose to have a more distinguishable shape particularly deconstructed to really highlight the components of an average guitar while keeping the same foundational design. Modifying each element of the guitar was my approach at a deconstructed shape with complex but simple assembly. The idea of combining two different disciplines but sharing a common language is feasible but needs to be more distinct in this niche culture.
PROTOTYPE DEVELOPMENT
During my prototype development phase, I discovered various types of synthesizers and what their sole purpose was for each individual instrument. Each device has its own language and are modified though different algorithms. My focus was to create a user-friendly synthesizer that gave a new user the experience of playing these devices to help understand melodies, rhythms, and beats. Based off my own experience learning about other synthesizers and studying what my classmates first reactions were when I let them play with my synths were that I was able to see a pattern of specific operations my peers resonated with the most. Those features listed in the map below were the fundamentally easily approachable features to learn from. Therefore, using joysticks and more kinetic features will allow the user to feel as if they are actually playing the instrument at ease.
RENDERS
For materiality I wanted to highlight a more vintage aesthetic with burshed aluminum and hardwood handles. Placing the AX-101 on a pedestal gives more quality to the guitar as well as a guaranteed safe spot to store the instrument.
FEATURES
Using joysticks and more kinetic features will allow the user to feel as if they are actually playing the instrument at ease. Each feature has a purpose in performing pitch modulation at different wavelengths. When you modify the carrier sounds (library presets) you get a result of a high or low frequency modulation. The idea was to be able to keep morphing these waves to experiment the endless possibilities. Synthesizers are endless, but it’s up to users on how they wish to use these tools.
STARTUP MENU
USER INTERFACE
This UX feature displays the logo as animation after powering the device on. Similar to the Nintendo Gamecube.
SOUND LIBRARY
GENRES
There are hundreds if not thousands of genres out there. Each sound is special in its own way that it produces remarkable noises to be used in patterns. whether it be custom set beats or pure raw waveforms manipulated by filters.
OSCILLOSCOPE
DISPLAY
This key component transforms abstract electrical fluctuations into tangible, visual information, giving you direct insight into the behavior of electronic circuits
USER ERGONOMICS
Building a mock 1:1 scale replica of the Ax-101 showed me how users would interact with the device. The curved gestures on each side of the guitar provided comfort and ease when performing. I included a versatile pitch modulator on the tail of the guitar that sets a higher pitch when moved to the right and lower pitch as moves to the left
