pick -n- tone
The Pick -N- Tone is a microtonal musical toy to introduce children to variety and diversity of tradition in music.
By giving children access to microtones in their musical play, the toy can allow them to consider music outside of the 12 tone equal temperament scale of the western tradition of music.
How it works
The Pick -N- Tone features 48 keys. Each row of keys plays 12 tones that are evenly spaced on a logarithmic scale. Moving up on the key pad increases the tone by 1/4 of the frequency distance between horizontal keys; This allows the user to ‘play the notes between the notes.’
Two modes allow the player to engage with microtones differently. Modes are selected with the switch on the control panel.
PICK
In pick mode, the black knob changes the root signature. The white knob changes the central octave. The display will show what note the bottom left key will play.
TONE
In tone mode, the black knob ‘de-tunes’ the keypad. The white knob changes the central octave that is ‘de-tuned.’ The display will show the percent of ‘de-tuning,’ and the central octave.
Holding down one of the keys below the display will move the key pad up or down from the central octave
Digital collaboration
The keys of the Pick -N- Tone are design to be switched and swapped, allowing players to create their own ‘signatures.’
An optional companion app allows them to document and share their combinations.
After rearranging the key caps, users can scan their creation where it is then available for other to see and experiment with.
Each unique combination is given a randomly generated name composed of an adjective and animal
Clickable prototype
Users can vote on tags that they feel describe the arrangement. The tags with the most votes will be shown higher on the list.
The dice button would bring the user to a random layout, allowing them to explore without searching for tags.
The randomly generated names and predetermined list of tags in combination with the omission of accounts, likes, and comments was a key feature of the app, allowing it to remain lightweight, accessible and child friendly.
The Process
Problem Statement
How might we introduce the diversity and flexibility in musical theories/standards to young children who are exploring their interests to foster a more openminded perspective of music theory?
Sketching
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Fabrication
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