Basic Info

February 2025
3-week Group Project
Umeå Institute of Design

Project Team

Thorben Westendorf
Chenyu Dong
Cheolhun Cheon

Sound Supervisor

Andreas Estensen

Project Overview

This project is based on Sound Design course at the Umeå Institute of Design, which explores designing sound in relation to different forms. Our team shares a common interest in children’s toys, and we decided to focus on motor development for children aged 3 to 5.
The main concept of this toy is to provide various sound feedback through children’s interactions with modules, such as stacking and tweaking. Each module has a unique sound role, encouraging children to actively engage with the toy while enhancing their muscle control and fine motor skills. In the end, they will build an adorable character they can connect with, and by attaching multiple characters together, they can create their own orchestra.

Concept Video
Modules of Soundlings
Interaction of Body Modules
Interaction of Head Modules
Multiple Modules
There could be multiple modules for each leg, body and head part offering further possibilities to expand the product.
Different Melodies for Different Leg Modules

Within 3 weeks, we aimed to create 3 different leg modules. For this, we needed 3 different melodies. These would be a basic melody for the toy, which needed to sound joyful and bright. Additionally, the different melodies should harmonise well together since they can be connected at the end.

Basic Rules for Arm Movement

When children tweak the arms of the body modules, they will receive different sound feedback. By moving the arms, sound blocks in the melody will either be added or removed. This creates a different sound, but the rule for the sound is simple, so it doesn’t become too complicated.

Sound Effects for Head Modules

Each head module has its own theme. An important rule for the sound effect was to make the sound different, while still maintaining consistency in the feeling of each theme.

Process Video
Wizard of Oz
We did Wizard of Oz test with two lovely kids, Pim and Boa. Based on their reaction to the sound, we adjusted and fine-tuned it afterward.
Wizard of Oz test with two lovely kids, Pim and Boa.
Process Images
Ideations written on a white boardFinal wooden models and 3d prototypesScreens for Ableton Live and Adobe Audition
Reflections

It was a great opportunity for me to work with APD (Advanced Product Design) students, observe closely how they think, and understand what they care about when designing physical forms. I also enjoyed designing sound and interaction in relation to a product. I learned and used Ableton Live, Adobe Audition, and Vital for the first time, which opened up interesting possibilities for future projects. It was an enjoyable project that prompted me to reconsider the close relationship between sound and design. Also, big thanks to our kind and professional sound supervisor, Andreas, who was supportive and passionate throughout the sound design course.