DJ Decades

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Overview

DJ Decades installation was designed to create an immersive time-traveling experience through music. By integrating a large volume knob for decade selection and a MIDI keyboard for audio manipulation, the project allowed users to dynamically shape their musical journey and become DJs through the decades. The visuals and audio tracks reflected different decades, giving guests an interactive way to explore popular music styles from four different decades.

 

Guest Experience

Visitors to the installation were welcomed by a time-machine-like station. Encouraged to interact, they used the large knob to change decades, altering the visual display, while the MIDI keyboard controlled different elements of a song. Guests found excitement in layering tracks and adjusting compositions, providing them with a sense of control over the musical landscape. The experience concluded after the timer was up and we invited the users to leave their mark by signing a the time machine with paint pens, reinforcing their connection to the installation.

 

Execution & Challenges

My team aimed to provide a seamless, intuitive user experience with minimal intervention. However, some guests were still confused with the controls, particularly the keyboard, which required constant monitoring as well as the tv monitor. Staffing was rotated to maintain engagement while conserving energy for other event responsibilities.

 

Setup & Teardown

The installation process required coordination between the project team and event organizers. Large components like foam boards and the DJ set were transported and assembled efficiently, with additional assistance from UT staff during teardown.

 

Reflection & Learning

This project was a significant learning experience in collaboration, fabrication, coding, and interactive sound design. The biggest challenge for me was programming the MIDI keyboard and integrating it with Ableton in a nonlinear format, a process that expanded my expertise in the Ableton software. Despite time constraints, the final product successfully engaged users, demonstrating our collaboration and teamwork.