Details
The playful MIDI controller
Senzu is a pocket MIDI controller that bridges the gap between getting a musical idea and making it come to life. Think of Senzu as the artist's sketchbook for musicians. Built on the idea of always staying in key, Senzu ensures harmonious sounds by utilizing the principles of the Circle of Fifths. All functions are carefully thought out to include everything essential while stripping away unnecessary extras to maintain a portable form factor. It's a must have tool for every musician to carry in their bag, ready to capture inspiration whenever it strikes.
University work
2024
Exchange semester at HfG Gmünd
Course in Interaction Design
Team project with Max Stauss
All content shown is mine unless stated otherwise
My contributions
Industrial Design
3D modeling
Interaction Design
Visualisation
Graphics
Model Making & 3D Printing
background
What is a MIDI?
MIDI stands for Musical Instrument Digital Interface and is a type of digital language that allows musical devices, for example keyboards or synthesizers, to communicate with each other. Instead of sending actual sound, MIDI sends information about the notes being played, such as pitch, duration, and intensity. This is then translated into instructions for how the instrument should sound.
For whom is Senzu made?
Senzu is designed for musicians of all kinds, beginners or experienced creators, whether you’re exploring digital for the first time or seeking a portable tool that fits in your pocket. It’s perfect for anyone looking for something easy to use, enabling you to quickly play and experiment with the chords that just popped into your mind. Senzu minimizes the effort needed to explore new sounds while maximizing portability.
Example persona
Lilly, a 20 year old from Berlin, has always been inspired by the DJs in her hometown’s vibrant techno scene. Enthusiastic and imaginative, she’s just started beat-making at home, driven by her love for breakbeats and techno. She is nifty with tech but still a beginner in music creation and is therefore looking for something that allows her to experiment freely without becoming overwhelmed.
interactions
The interface
Here are some of the screens for the UI used after recording your sound. The home screen displays the current position in the track, as well as controls for play, pause, and record, along with icons for secondary actions.
The arrangement segment enables basic editing of recorded sounds. The 3D modulator allows the user to pitch and modify the sound in real time using a swiping motion. The octave shift and FX segments utilize the outer physical modulator ring to alter the sound. In the utilities segment, the user can set parameters such as BPM as well as exporting recordings and importing sounds via USB-C.
Lastly, the UI is navigated backward with swipe motions and by pushing and holding the modulator ring, the interface locks, allowing the user to play without worrying about accidentally pressing the screen.
Play harmonious tunes with the six individual keys. Peek at the display to keep track of where you are in the Circle of Fifths while navigating to the next set of keys.
quick music facts
Circle of Fifths
The Circle of Fifths is a visual and conceptual tool in music theory that shows the relationship between different musical keys. It helps musicians understand how keys are connected, making it easier to choose chords and transitions that sound good together. Composers and producers use it to create harmonies, find key changes, and build smooth progressions. It’s an essential foundation in music theory, widely used across different genres to structure melodies, harmonies, and compositions.
Here on the left is a representation of the Circle of Fifths and how it corresponds to Senzu’s interface. The keys highlighted in blue and light blue represent the minor and major keys that naturally harmonize with each other.
function map
process and thoughts
Ever since I was old enough to go out and party, I’ve had a passion for music, especially electronic dance music in all its forms. About five years later, I got my first DJ controller, deepening my interest and turning music into both a hobby and a part of my me. Since then I’ve dreamed of merging my love for music with my passion for design, and I finally got the opportunity to do so during my exchange semester in Germany. This project is a collaboration between me, an industrial designer and hobbyist DJ, and Max Stauss, an interaction designer and music producer. Senzu is the product of what can be created when design disciplines intersect, fueled by love and passion.
Sound Demo: LFO
Sound Demo: FX
Sound Demo: Filter
