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In the world of guitar effects, there are limited options available to musicians for controlling sound effects. Expression pedals leave users rooted to the floor during their performances, unable to circulate freely. Source Audio, a start-up company with an idea to let guitarists roam as they may, approached IDEO to engineer and package its product and to tackle a number of strategic implications for their brand, including its manufacturing design.
The design team began by observing and talking to potential users about their preferences in musical products and other items that allow them to identify as musicians. The team also set up a series of jam sessions with local guitar heroes, who were happy to improvise and experiment with prototypes.
The result of this field research is the Hot Hand motion-controlled wah-filter, which translates body movement into sound, letting guitarists manipulate effects through physical expression. The system provides the basic control of an expression pedal, in addition to new and unique manipulations that are not feasible with a traditional pedal. Hot Hand’s sensor attaches to a guitarist’s hand or other body part and connects to a floor-mounted console system that has11 usable wah-type filters effects. The guitarist’s movement is monitored through a micro-machined accelerometer, allowing the player to create as many different effects as they have body movements.
The introduction of the Hot Hand has created a buzz within the music, electrical engineering, and design industries. The recent product launch has generated articles in the two leading guitar magazines’Guitar Player and Guitar World’in addition to countless features on guitar-centric blogs. The culmination of press and early adoption by musicians has created a demand that Source Audio has met within a year of launching through retail and online sales.
Project date: 2007
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