Briefing
In this university project we had to program and design an instrument / synthesizer that would be used in a future scenario by a certain group of people. Different groups of people have been assigned to each team, as well as an action, only the location was the same for all: the moon. Our groups scenario was “reporter” and “leaving”. Furthermore, the chip Daisy Seed from the brand Arduino had to be used to program the instrument. After finalising the instrument we had to perform our imagined scenario at London venue Iklectik.
Idea
People fled earth and implemented a strict regime on their new planet: Moon. There is no free speech and strict rules for every part of life. Reporters struggle to tell the truth, that’s why they need to hide their messages instead. Disguised as a microphone, we invented an instrument, which can send out secret codes through music (like morse code), encrypt spoken messages, and give visual alarms when people belonging to the authoritarian regime come closer. Used under the eye of the regime, no one suspects it to be a tool for the underground resistance.
First sketches
The bone-like shape makes it easier to hide the buttons which will send out the secret codes. The buttons are placed so they will be hidden by the fingers of the reporter.
In the microphone is a distance sensor included which warns the user when employees of the restrictive regime approach.
Here are the buttons which will be hidden by the thumb.
Close up of the buttons: the upper two will be hidden and pressed by the thumb whereas the lower ones will be hidden by the rest of the hand.
3D printing our microphone
All the parts of our microphone.
Closeup of the inside of the microphone.
Two of the buttons, when they are not hidden by the thumb of the user.
The two buttons, hidden by the thumb of the user.