Synchrum: A Tangible Interface for Rhythmic Collaboration

Team Members:
Lex Moakler, Assaf Gadot and Melanie Baljko

Relevant Publications:
 Hamidi, F., Baljko, M., Moakler, A. and Gadot, A. Synchrum: A Tangible Interface for Rhythmic Collaboration. Adjunct Proceedings of the 25th Annual Symposium on User Interface Software and Technology (UIST ‘12), 2012, 63-64, New York: ACM.  Available Online.

Synchrum is a digital tangible interface for rhythmic collaboration. Its design is inspired by the Tibetan prayer wheel.  Traditionally, in Tibet and Bhutan turning a prayer wheel is believed to send prayers to the universe. Synchrum allows audience members of a digital performance to collaborate with each other to affect the course of a narrative.  
Picture
Tibetan Prayer Wheel
Synchrum calculates rotations per minute for each user. The rotation rate for each user is compared with a specified value in real-time to determine if users are "in-sync". Using Synchrum allows for audience participation in digital performance via continuous rhythmic movements. 

Please watch the following video for a demonstration of how Synchrum works.