Mixology at Roboexotica
My Role:
- Coding
- Setting up the Project
- Planing the Exhibition
- Crafitng the interactive Elements
Tools:
- Processing
- Github
- Samsung Touchtable
- Lasercutter
Project Type:
University Project
Project Year:
2025
Overview
Mixology is an interactive sound installation designed to let users explore and create layered soundscapes through physical interaction. The project was developed as part of a exhibition at Roboexotica in Vienna a festival that explores the intersection of robotics, art and human-machine interaction.
The experience centers around a touch-table and a set of wooden blocks, each representing a cocktail ingredient and therefore a sound element. By placing these objects, users can mix, layer and create audio tracks in real time, no prior technical knowledge required.
Process
Starting Point
We began with a simple idea: mixing sound should be easy and fun for everyone almost like making a cocktail. That’s where the name Mixology came from.
We wanted to create a tool where people could intuitively explore sound, even without prior knowledge.
Tech Setup
The table recognized each wooden block through TUIO and a special Codepattern, tracking their position.
Each block was linked to a sound or effect, depending on where you placed it, the system would layer and adjust audio in real time.
- Processing handled the logic and visuals
- OSC connected the interface to the sound engine
Design & Interaction
The interaction was simple on purpose. You didn’t need a guide — just curiosity.
Blocks were designed to feel nice in the hand and give off just enough “character” to make each one feel unique.
A projector gave live feedback on the table surface, showing what was active and where sounds were coming from.
Exhibition Setup
At Roboexotica, we built a full standalone unit: touch table, headphones, ingredient blocks in a bar setting all set up to run autonomously. People could walk up, start placing blocks and instantly become part of the mix.
Final Thoughts
Mixology was one of those projects where design, code and craft all came together. It challenged me technically and creatively and reminded me how powerful great Interaction Design can be.