POSTPRANDIAL RENDEZVOUS

Synchronized Speakers Designed for Square Dancing

Spring 2023

Course: R&D Studio: Feature, Smart, and Super Phones

Instructor: Pedro Oliveira

Partner: Keyi Fu

Introduction

In this project, we are tasked with researching, designing, and developing an Interactive Device for a specific group or community by repurposing an old Android Google Pixel 3.

The objective is to create a device for the elderly, particularly those who actively participate in square dancing, one of the most popular activities for the elderly in China. Since the late 2000s, square dancing has become one of the most prevalent daily social events for numerous elderly individuals in China, especially those who have retired. They spend their time dancing, conversing, and enjoying their postprandial leisure.

Research & Interview

Square dancing is an exercise routine performed to music in squares, plazas, or parks across the nation's cities. It is particularly popular among middle-aged and retired women, who have often been referred to as 'dancing grannies' in English-language media. Due to its low cost and ease of participation, it is estimated to have over 100 million practitioners, according to CCTV, the country's official television network.

We conducted interviews with some relatives who frequently participate in square dancing. They derive enjoyment from the dancing itself, as well as the opportunity to make new friends and socialize before and after the activity. For them, it is an essential part of their daily routine. Unlike the late 2000s, when square dancing was just gaining popularity and groups were relatively small, relying on old cassette players for music, contemporary square dancing groups are much larger, sometimes occupying entire plazas. The old cassette players are no longer sufficient for the number of dancers in the square. Consequently, one or two 'leaders' from the groups are now required to transport large, heavy, and bulky speakers to the plaza every day. Although these speakers come equipped with wheels, they remain challenging to maneuver. Additionally, during festivals such as the Lunar New Year, when they aim to synchronize music and dance across different locations simultaneously, technical constraints have made it nearly impossible to achieve perfect synchronization.

Ideation

Based on our research and interviews, we have decided to redesign speakers for the elderly who engage in square dancing. Our aim is to create speakers that are lightweight, compact, and capable of synchronizing music across different locations. We began the project by deconstructing the components necessary for a functional speaker:

  • Speaker(s)

  • Amplifier

  • Power source

  • Control mechanisms

  • Enclosure

  • Audio source

To facilitate music synchronization across multiple speakers, we incorporated internet connectivity, introducing the use of the Google Pixel 3. Each set of speakers is connected to a Pixel 3 device, which, in turn, is linked to the internet. These phones are all connected to the same server, enabling simultaneous data sharing. We developed a simple music player using p5.js, incorporating basic functions such as play/pause, next track, previous track, repeat, and reset. The controls were designed to be intuitive and user-friendly, considering the users' familiarity with electronic devices. Physical buttons, made from raw brass for conductivity, are integrated into the speaker's lid to control the underlying phone. This setup allows users to manage the music player within the p5.js sketch directly from the screen.

Our decision to create portable speakers was driven by the need for easy mobility, which was one of our chosen constraints. Additionally, we limited ourselves to utilizing the phone's connector, touchscreen, WiFi, CPU, and memory.

Implementation

Ideally, a network of speakers can be established, and the number of speakers is inconsequential as long as the server remains operational. We created two sets of speakers to showcase our concept: one primarily composed of concrete and the other fashioned from purely acrylic panels.

Concrete was chosen for its longevity and durability. In the event of an accidental drop, the concrete enclosure can be mended. Moreover, it evokes a sense of nostalgia, resonating with the user group, who predominantly hail from an era when concrete and metal mass production thrived in China. As concrete ages, it develops unique patterns, imbuing the speaker with a personalized touch that fosters an emotional connection with its users.

The acrylic version, on the other hand, is lighter in weight and easier to fabricate. The primary component comprises six white translucent acrylic pieces, interconnected without the use of any adhesive. Customized corner and side brackets are utilized, fastened onto the white panels with screws, serving as the structural framework that holds the entire speaker together. This design allows users to customize the speaker's color and facilitates relatively straightforward maintenance. If the enclosure is accidentally damaged, it can be disassembled easily, enabling users to replace individual components with new parts.

Both enclosures house the power source internally, maintaining a clean external appearance. The concrete model incorporates a 3" speaker and a 12V battery, while the acrylic variant utilizes 2" speakers and a 5V battery.

The project, Postprandial Rendezvous, aims to foster community engagement by welcoming anyone who enjoys dancing. By placing these speakers in various locations, our objective is to enable all users to share the same sense of joy and movement simultaneously. Our ultimate goal is not only to synchronize music from a technical perspective but to cultivate a collective sense of happiness and well-being.