AL
Synthesizer

Synthesizer

Type: Instrument|Year: 2026 (three weeks)|Role: Designer & programmer|Client: None

A toy that turns gesture into sound.

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How to use

With the left-hand scanner, you can scan any coordinate to instantly create a rhythm. Scan a new coordinate, and the current rhythm fades into a new one.

The right-hand scanner controls the melody. Every coordinate contains both a rhythm and a melody, but you first need to scan a coordinate to unlock it. Then lift the scanner, hold the black button, and tilt it.

As you move, different angles trigger different notes, creating a flowing melody while the synthesizer lights up in response.

The synthesizerPlaying the synthesizer

Logic & Code

We programmed the instrument in Microsoft MakeCode — mapping the micro:bit's accelerometer and buttons to pitch and triggers.

MakeCode editor — main loopMakeCode editor — supporting logic

Building the Instrument

Construction stepConstruction step

The finished product

Finished instrumentFinished instrument

User Testing & Prototyping

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Synthesizer — overview

Credits

My contributions included design, building, and programming the instrument. Programming was done in collaboration with Tobias Stark-Olsen.

A huge thank you to Tobias Stark-Olsen for also producing the music.