Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1500716
72 S U M M E R 2 0 2 3 I C A S Q U A R T E R L Y The sensation of touch is the unifying factor. In practical terms, vest, ankle, and wrist actuators are worn, transmitting vibrations on the wearer's skin. As I prepared to demo the device, I imagined nothing more than a sophisticated Rumble Pak or a wearable D-BOX. But the experience was much more emotionally evocative and impactful. The technology includes a wearable wireless system that creates zero-latency vibrations in synchronization with music or visuals as defined by the creator of the vibrational experience. Instruments, groups of instruments, themes, or music can be "scored" as vibrations. Or, an abstract approach can provide emotional description via strategically placed vibrations. The company touts the "most advanced haptic ecosystem in the world." It is indeed impressive. It features 24 discreet touchpoints, precise dynamic control, optional pitch-controlled oscillators to enhance the hearing experience, and an authoring system that provides comprehensive creative control. There are infinite possibilities of use serving many different subjective approaches. The creators of a Music: Not Impossible immersive experience are creating a custom vibrational composition. I experienced a demo featuring a scene from a Sci-Fi blockbuster. One experience followed the musical score, another followed the sound design, and the other followed abstract emotion. All were emotionally evocative. When I listened to music samples wearing the vest and wrist/ankle system, I could understand how, as Daniel Belquer described and has occurred in various cases, the deaf community could find themselves continuously stimulated enough to "listen" to a full musical concert and feel compelled to dance and move with the beat, along with hearing attendees. Daniel Belquer, "Chief Vibrational Officer"/ co-founder at Music: Not Impossible and creator of The Art of Haptics (TAoH) and Paddy Hanlon CAS, production mixer, sound artist, and M:NI co-founder, tell us more. Karol Urban CAS MPSE: How did Music: Not Impossible become possible? Daniel Belquer: I started working at Harvestworks, a digital media arts center [in NY, NY], and I was [experimenting with] vibrating objects. I have a master's in theater, and my thesis was [focused] around listening. So, I was passing by in front of the education director, and Photo courtesy of Zappos