In the realm of artistic innovation, where technology and creativity converge, Macchina Poetica emerges as a captivating digital prototype. Inspired by the Futurist movement, renowned for its embrace of speed, technology, youth, and a hint of violence, this ingenious creation transforms sounds into onomatopoeic words and captivating images.
The Genesis of Macchina Poetica: A Fusion of Art and Technology
Macchina Poetica owes its existence to the creative minds of students pursuing a Master of Advanced Studies in Interaction Design at SUPSI. Driven by a shared vision, they embarked on a journey to craft an object reminiscent of the Celesta, a musical instrument deeply intertwined with Futurism. The result is a remarkable prototype that seamlessly blends art and technology, inviting users to engage in a unique sensory experience.
Unveiling the Intricate Mechanism: A Symphony of Components
At the heart of Macchina Poetica lies a carefully orchestrated ensemble of components, each contributing to its mesmerizing performance. Four piezo sensors, sensitive to vibrations, act as the primary receptors of sound. These sensors are strategically positioned between metal plates and a layer of sponge, forming an intricate interface that captures the nuances of every strike.
The captured signals embark on a journey through a network of electrical cables, carrying the essence of sound to a Genuino Uno board. This electronic maestro serves as the brain of the operation, deciphering the signals and instructing a thermal printer to spring into action. The printer, with its heated element, diligently burns words and Futurism poems onto paper, providing a tangible record of the sonic performance.
Interacting with Macchina Poetica: A Multisensory Adventure
Interacting with Macchina Poetica is an immersive experience that engages multiple senses. As the user strikes the metal plates with a metal tool, the piezo sensors diligently capture the vibrations, transforming them into electrical signals. These signals, like musical notes, travel to the Genuino Uno board, which orchestrates the printing of words or Futurism poems onto paper.
The printed paper outputs, adorned with onomatopoeic words and poetic verses, serve as tangible souvenirs of the performance. They allow users and viewers to revisit the experience, reliving the sonic journey through the printed words and images.
The Creative Process: A Convergence of Disciplines
The development of Macchina Poetica unfolded during a two-week physical computing class at Maind program SUPSI. This intensive program provided a fertile ground for experimentation and collaboration, bringing together students from diverse backgrounds, including electronics, interaction design, and art. Together, they delved into the intricacies of tangible interfaces, exploring the seamless integration of electronics prototyping and interaction design.
Bonus: The Legacy of Futurism and the Allure of Onomatopoeia
The Futurist movement, with its audacious embrace of technology and its celebration of speed and youth, left an indelible mark on the cultural landscape of the early 20th century. Macchina Poetica draws inspiration from this vibrant movement, echoing its fascination with the transformative power of technology and its ability to transcend traditional artistic boundaries.
Onomatopoeia, the art of using words to imitate sounds, adds a playful and evocative layer to Macchina Poetica’s performance. The printed words, capturing the essence of the sounds produced, invite users to engage in a sensory dance, where the boundaries between sound, image, and language gracefully blur.
Macchina Poetica stands as a testament to the boundless possibilities that arise when art and technology converge. It is an invitation to explore the uncharted territories of sonic expression, where sounds morph into words and images, creating a captivating tapestry of sensory experiences.
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