Two students from ENSCI – Les Ateliers, a French National Institute of Industrial Design, have come up with the invention of a fun and colorful food-based musical instrument which they named Noisy Jelly.
The reason for making the Noisy Jelly is primarily not to create a musical instrument, but to make an entertaining game board out of these students’ interests. This Noisy Jelly game board, however, is made up of a gelatin preparation, a capacitive sensor board that runs on required software programs.
Ingredients and Preparation
Food designer Marianne Cauvard, who has a great interest in gelatin, uses a few grams of agar agar powder, food colorings, plain water, and different geometric shapes of molders to create the jellies. Agar agar is a gelatinous substance derived from algae, often used in culinary applications for its gelling properties. The use of food coloring adds a vibrant and playful element to the jellies, making them visually appealing as well as functional. After the jellies are made, they are placed on top of the game board.
Technology and Interaction
A product designer named Raphael Pluvinage is the mastermind behind the virtual and physical systems that enable the sensors to react and produce high and low-pitched audio signals upon touching the shapes. The capacitive sensor board is a crucial component, as it detects the electrical properties of the human body when it comes into contact with the gelatin shapes. This interaction is then translated into sound through the software.
The concentration of salt, contact pressure, distance of touch, and variations of gelatin shapes are the main factors that affect the loudness and types of sound produced. For instance, a higher concentration of salt in the gelatin can increase its conductivity, resulting in a louder sound. Similarly, the pressure applied by the user’s touch can modulate the pitch and volume of the sound, creating a dynamic and interactive experience.
The Noisy Jelly is not just a toy; it’s an educational tool that can teach children and adults about the principles of conductivity, sound waves, and material science. By experimenting with different shapes, salt concentrations, and touch pressures, users can learn about the cause-and-effect relationships in a fun and engaging way.
Then it’s done! This wobbly gelatin producing sounds can now be enjoyed and played by kids and even adults too. The Noisy Jelly offers a unique blend of art, science, and play, making it a versatile and innovative creation.
In addition to its educational value, the Noisy Jelly can also serve as a sensory tool for children with special needs. The tactile and auditory feedback provided by the gelatin shapes can help in sensory development and provide a calming effect. The bright colors and varying textures of the jellies can also stimulate visual and tactile senses, making it a multi-sensory experience.
Moreover, the Noisy Jelly can be a great addition to interactive exhibits in science museums or art installations. Its ability to combine visual appeal with interactive sound makes it a compelling exhibit that can attract and engage a wide range of audiences.
The Noisy Jelly is a remarkable invention that goes beyond being just a musical instrument. It’s an educational, sensory, and interactive tool that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. The collaboration between Marianne Cauvard and Raphael Pluvinage has resulted in a product that is not only fun but also informative and versatile.
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