EchoSnap and PlayableAle: Exploring Audible Resonant Interaction

Abstract

This paper presents two projects that use the audible resonance of hollow objects as the basis of novel tangible interaction. EchoSnap explores how an audio feedback loop created between a mobile device's microphone and speaker can be used to playfully explore and probe the resonant characteristics of hollow objects, using the resulting sounds to control a mobile device. With PlayableAle, the tone made by blowing across the top of a bottle is used as a method of controlling a game. The work presented in this paper builds upon our previous work exploring the concept of resonant bits, where digital information is given resonant properties that can be explored through physical interaction. In particular, this paper expands upon the concept by looking at resonance in the physical as opposed to digital domain. Using EchoSnap and PlayableAle to illustrate we present a preliminary design space for structuring the continuing development of audible resonant interaction.