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Detro Tune

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UX Design Studio II Students' Projects

Project Information

The Detro Tune exhibition is conceptualized as an audio-visual virtual voyage through the city of Detroit’s music history, subcultural anatomy and authentic cultural identity. To achieve such a unique experience, we expose the audience to multisensory stimuli powered by various media technologies such as virtual and mixed reality. This eternal Detroit placed in a timeless virtual space aims to immerse us into the cultural habitus that shaped a fruitful era of fresh and influential ideas and innovations.

Phase 1

Research

About this Phase

The research phase of our project on Detroit and its relationship with techno music was a comprehensive and multifaceted endeavor.

Our journey into the world of popular music genres revealed a fascinating trend: techno music stands out as a widely cherished style, ranking third in global popularity. This insight prompted us to turn our focus towards Detroit, a city with a profound musical heritage. Known affectionately as the “Paris of the West,” Detroit boasts a rich tapestry of cultural and artistic vibrancy, making it a significant hub for music enthusiasts.

In this exploration, we discovered an impressive roster of 16 renowned musicians connected to Detroit, either as natives or through memorable performances in the city. This finding highlights Detroit’s critical role in the music industry, especially in the techno genre. The city has not only been a cradle for emerging talents in techno music but also a beacon, attracting established artists to its dynamic and inspiring environment.

Phase 2

Problem Definition

About this Phase

The problem definition phase of our project focused on clearly identifying and articulating the core question we aimed to address

Telling the story of Detroit, not just through the lens of its rich history or cultural landmarks, but uniquely through the narrative of techno music. This approach seeks to intertwine the evolution and characteristics of Detroit with the development and influence of techno music, a genre deeply rooted in the city’s fabric.

Phase 3

Ideation

About this Phase

We brainstormed and developed various concepts and approaches to effectively convey our narrative.

During the ideation phase of our project on Detroit and techno music, we embarked on a journey of creative exploration. This phase was crucial for transforming our initial thoughts and research findings into tangible concepts. We started by sketching our ideas, a process that allowed us to visually brainstorm and iterate on various themes and narratives that could effectively tell Detroit’s story through the medium of techno music. Detroit “Paris of the West”. The problem definition phase of our project focused on clearly identifying and articulating the core question we aimed to address. Telling the story of Detroit, not just through the lens of its rich history or cultural landmarks, but uniquely through the narrative of techno music. This approach seeks to intertwine the evolution and characteristics of Detroit with the development and influence of techno music, a genre deeply rooted in the city’s fabric.

Phase 4

Prototyping

About this Phase

In the prototyping phase of our project, we received an incredible opportunity to showcase our work at prestigious events: Ars Electronica in Linz and the Detroit Month of Design.

At Ars Electronica, renowned for celebrating the intersection of art, technology, and society, our prototypes needed to embody innovation and creativity. We focused on enhancing the interactive elements of our designs, ensuring that they not only told the story of Detroit and techno music but also engaged the audience in a meaningful and immersive experience. This included integrating audio-visual elements that allowed visitors to experience the pulsating rhythms of techno music while visually exploring Detroit’s landscape and history.

For the Detroit Month of Design, our prototypes had to resonate deeply with the local community, reflecting the city’s spirit and its influence on techno music. We worked on tailoring our designs to capture the essence of Detroit’s unique identity, ensuring that our representation was authentic and relatable. This involved collaborating with local artists and historians to incorporate nuanced details that only natives would appreciate, further enhancing the authenticity of our work.