liquid MIDI: paper goes electronic to create unique controls and sounds

liquid MIDI: paper goes electronic to create unique controls and sounds
all images courtesy of EJtech

‘liquid MIDI’ by EJtech is an experimental textile interface for sonic interactions, exploring aesthetics and morphology in contemporary design. the technology is screen printed with electric paint from bare conductive directly onto a textile surface, then through an arduino micro controller communicates with the desired software, using MIDI protocol. this unique interaction with this textile interface allows the medium to become part of the message, where the interface becomes part of the process of creation itself. 

founded by esteban de la torre and judit eszter karpati, the budapest based art and technology lab believes sound is a medium that has been increasingly gaining ground in the visual arts during recent decades. their technology plays one of the main roles in this multi disciplinary crossover, allowing not only for this amalgamation of the visual and auditory practices, but to further their ventures into how do they form this experience and with what tools do they design this multifaseted, polysensorial undertaking. 

screen printed launch pad/ triggers

much of their artistic research involves building with textiles and flexible materials, due to its functional and aesthetic advantages, as well as it being ideal for studies looking to integrate different sensory modalities. the flexibility of screen printing a working interface onto a bendable surface and being able to control digital devices and applications through it, opens doors to infinite possibilities, allowing to indulge in an hyper connected, interwoven user experience. 

screen printed launch pad/ triggers

‘liquid MIDI’ increasingly allows for the integration of touch, kinaesthesia as well as hearing, shattering the prevailing notions on the hierarchisation of the senses. the project aims on proposing a more balanced, coherent multi sensory perception of reality. EJtech’s intent with ‘liquid MIDI’, is to enable the user to experience a balanced interaction and engagement, focusing not only the importance of the aesthetics, but making them functional and utterly important, while integrating, with the same importance, an elaborate haptic experience through an experimental textile interface, concluding with the real time creation of sound. 

screen printed faders

the two module setup

the exposed screen

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: piotr boruslawski | designboom