Utensil Acoustic Enhancement Development (UAED)
"Utensil Acoustic Enhancement Development" is a research and development project aimed at reinventing everyday objects - utensils - to be musically harmonic in usage. Image courtesy to Oblik Soundwork
The goal of the research is to find out how to design and engineer utensils to sound beautiful, like a glockenspiel bar, so that when the utensils are used, harmonious music is created instead of noise. The picture shows the early development process, during which the tone of a fork is being compared to a glockenspiel bar. Image courtesy to Oblik Soundwork
The research process requires precise acoustic measurements. The picture shows the design rendering of the acoustic measurement rig that will be used throughout the research. The rig can simulate situations where fingers are holding onto the utensil or when the utensil is vibrating freely. Both situations will create drastically different tones. Image courtesy to Oblik Soundwork
A computer simulation of a tuning fork is compared to some regular utensils. The vibration patterns between them are very different, resulting in very different acoustic characteristics. Image courtesy to Oblik Soundwork
The recording captured through the microphone will be analyzed by a computer program. The acoustic spectrum is detected when the fork is struck by a mallet. The diagram shows that the tone of a regular fork consists of several dissonant frequencies that are unpleasant to the human ear. Image courtesy to Oblik Soundwork
The recording captured through the microphone will be analyzed by a computer program. The acoustic spectrum is detected when the fork is struck by a mallet. The diagram shows that the tone of a regular fork consists of several dissonant frequencies that are unpleasant to the human ear. Image courtesy to Oblik Soundwork
“Utensil Acoustic Enhancement Development” is an innovative research project that aims to revolutionize the way we experience dining by designing utensils from an acoustic harmony perspective. By investigating the physical interaction of utensils during dining situations and understanding the principles of acoustic harmony, this project will create a new standard of utensil design that enhances the dining experience. The project will utilize a combination of qualitative and quantitative methodologies, including observation, acoustic measurement, and subjective evaluation, to gain valuable insights into utensil acoustic characteristics. The outcome of this project is not only to design and engineer utensils that are acoustically pleasing or musically “in tune,” but also to create an entirely new sensory experience for diners. Every interaction with utensils will produce harmonious sounds, elevating the dining experience to new heights of enjoyment. The result will be a harmonious symphony of sounds, transforming every meal into a musical masterpiece.
“Utensil Acoustic Enhancement Development” is an innovative research project that aims to revolutionize the way we experience dining by designing utensils from an acoustic harmony perspective. By investigating the physical interaction of utensils during dining situations and understanding the principles of acoustic harmony, this project will create a new standard of utensil design that enhances the dining experience. The project will utilize a combination of qualitative and quantitative methodologies, including observation, acoustic measurement, and subjective evaluation, to gain valuable insights into utensil acoustic characteristics. The outcome of this project is not only to design and engineer utensils that are acoustically pleasing or musically “in tune,” but also to create an entirely new sensory experience for diners. Every interaction with utensils will produce harmonious sounds, elevating the dining experience to new heights of enjoyment. The result will be a harmonious symphony of sounds, transforming every meal into a musical masterpiece.
Oblik Soundwork is a Hong Kong-based sound instrument design collective that specializes in exploring the concept of sonic harmony in interactive sound instrument design. Their philosophy is to harness the beauty of sound from everyday objects and the noise of the city to create instruments that unlock the potential for serendipitous sonic discoveries. Their collaborative works have been featured in various art and design events such as ARTS TECH, deTour, and Sensory Symphony, Viva! River. Oblik Soundwork is driven by an unbridled passion for creating innovative instruments that push the boundaries of traditional music and sound design.
- 2023
- Grantee: Chaklam Ng
Chaklam Ng is a sound artist and musical instrument inventor based in Hong Kong. He graduated from Swinburne University of Technology with a degree in Communication Design and is the founder of the sound design collective - Oblik Soundwork. Chaklam has been designing sound instruments for over a decade, exploring the intersection of sound, engineering, and interactive design. He believes that creating new sound instruments is the key to producing original music and sounds. Chaklam's recent work includes "Pause Rec Play 2.0," an interactive sound installation that premiered at Clockenflap 2023, which explores the concept of a mahjong game in sound. His works are often created with the community in mind, and his public installations have been featured at major venues such as K11 Musea, PMQ and Central Market.