SoundMotion Music and Motion
Long-distance relationships (LDRs) pose significant challenges, with 37% of couples facing breakup within three months of geographical separation. Despite the convenience of digital communication, existing technologies often overlook the nuanced emotional connection required for intimacy. To address this gap, Zhujun Pang, under the supervision of Joep Frens at Eindhoven University of Technology, conceptualized SoundMotion—a groundbreaking project aimed at fostering emotional communication among distant couples through music sharing and physical interaction.
SoundMotion integrates physical devices with Spotify to create a bespoke music-sharing channel for couples. Physical interactions, centered around a swinging motion, signify message notifications and partners’ online status, enhancing the sense of presence and companionship.
Initial prototypes utilized electromagnets for swinging motion but were later refined using servo motors for improved functionality. The design underwent iteration to optimize user experience, with the screen’s placement and interaction logic adjusted for intuitive engagement.
SoundMotion facilitates implicit emotional communication through subtle physical cues, offering users the flexibility to switch between peripheral and explicit interactions. The hat, acting as a switch, toggles between music playback and the Couple Channel, reinforcing the product’s user-centered approach.
Powered by ESP8266, SoundMotion establishes hardware control and connection with the Spotify server. Emoji feedback data generated during interaction informs Spotify’s personalized music recommendations, enriching the couples’ shared listening experience.
