We’re looking for paid participants to help us trial the latest prototype of TouchSound – a pioneering haptic technology designed to enhance the live experience of orchestral music.

Participants must identify as D/deaf or hearing impaired, must be over the age of 18, and available to attend a performance of The Anatomy of the Orchestra at Southbank Centre, London on 24 September.

The experience will take approximately two hours including pre-show briefing and post-show feedback session. The fee is £50.

What is TouchSound?

TouchSound is an ergonomic, portable device designed to enhance the experience of live music for D/deaf and hearing-impaired audiences by translating sounds into haptic vibrations.

Small enough to sit in the palm of your hand, the TouchSound features a small microphone that can be directed at any sound source. Upon receipt of the sound, technology within the device converts it to vibrations which can be experienced through a finger or thumb on a sensor pad on the device.

Our aim with the TouchSound is that – unlike other haptic sound technology for experiencing live music events – it offers the user autonomy over when and how they use it when removed from a bag or pocket, and what they choose to experience.

What are haptics?

Haptics is the technology that makes devices shake or vibrate in response to certain actions or commands, it’s a response you physically feel rather than see. For example, you may set your phone to vibrate rather than ring audibly, or you may play computer games with haptics switched on, causing them to vibrate in response to certain environments or actions.

Paraorchestra and TouchSound

Paraorchestra create live orchestral music experiences that push boundaries in terms of genre, scale, and location, presenting audiences with unique opportunities to discover an orchestra in a non-conventional setting. Many of our projects have an immersive element to them, inviting audiences to move about the performance space, empowering them to experience it in their own way.

The TouchSound device was inspired by our The Anatomy of the Orchestra project which places audiences in the centre of the orchestra. enabling them to explore it from the inside out and get up close and personal with a large symphony orchestra as they play. D/deaf and hearing-impaired audiences reported delight at the opportunity to feel the vibrations of a piano, a violin, a clarinet or trombone as they were being played, hence, with the support of funding, we set about finding a way of extending or enhancing the live experience of orchestral music specifically for this audience.

Testing and Development

Funding via Bath and Bristol’s Expanded Performance cohort enabled us to research and explore existing and new technologies that would enhance the experience of live music for hearing impaired audiences. It facilitated the development of our prototype, in consultation with creative technologist Steve Symons, which we tested with a small group in Summer 2021. Feedback from that session has led to the development and manufacture of four further units.

Testing Opportunity

The Anatomy of the Orchestra being presented at Southbank Centre on Saturday 24 September. With sixty-six musicians spread out across the Royal Festival Hall foyer, the performance encourages audiences to freely wander the ensemble curating their own sonic mix.

We are looking for eight D/deaf or hearing impaired individuals to test the next model of TouchSound throughout the 25 minute performance, then take part in a facilitated discussion.

We are looking for a mix of individuals with a range of experiences with live music – from those who love orchestral or live music and are regular attenders of cultural events, to those who may never have seen or heard an orchestra live before.

We are looking for testers to join us for either the 2pm or 4.30pm performances (up to four spaces at each).

You will be required 30 minutes before the performance where you will meet with TouchSound creative designer, Steve Symons, and a representative from Paraorchestra, who will brief you on how to use the device. You will then be invited to experience the show as part of the ticketed audience, and encouraged to use it in a number of locations and settings across the performance area.

Post-show, you will be asked for your feedback on elements such as design, ease of use, practicality and effectiveness, as well as how it may have enhanced your experience of the show and where we can improve it for the next iteration. We estimate the discussion will take up to 45 minutes and we can provide BSL interpreters if required.

Fee: £50, paid by bank transfer following the testing day

How to get involved

If this sounds of interest to you or anyone you know, please email us on info@paraorchestra.com with the following:

  • your preferred time to attend (group 1 or 2, timings below)
  • if you’d like to bring a guest with you (we can offer one guest ticket per tester)
  • if you require a BSL interpreter for the briefing and facilitated discussion

Please note we are unable to provide travel expenses and are unable to offer this to anyone under 18 years of age.

Group 1 timings

From 1.30pm              Briefing and introduction to TouchSound

2.00pm                       The Anatomy of the Orchestra performance

2.45-3.30pm               Facilitated group discussion to gather feedback

Group 2 timings

From 4pm                   Briefing and introduction to TouchSound

4.30pm                       The Anatomy of the Orchestra performance

5.15-6pm                    Facilitated group discussion to gather feedback

Further reading:

From Balloons to Vibro Haptic Furniture

Converting Soundwaves into Vibrations – Experimenting with New Ways of Experiencing Sound

The Anatomy of the Orchestra