Preferred methods to engage with music vary among d/Deaf and Hard of Hearing people (d/DHH), depending on a number of social, environmental, and technological factors. Previous research on music for the d/DHH population has pursued specific methods such as dance, sound vibrations, and captioning. Other literature has focused on applying a hearing standard of music engagement and fluency to the d/DHH community and is outdated with regards to technological advances that improve music access. In this generative research, our goals are to understand how various social and technical environments affect music experiences and discover design opportunities to improve music accessibility for d/DHH people. We are conducting semi-structured interviews with d/DHH adults ages 18-49. These interviews undergo design research activities consisting of word exercise, image exercise, and cognitive mapping to uncover the background, current, and ideal music experiences of participants. We are developing a design prototype based on research findings that addresses the accessibility shortcomings of music experiences and adapts to numerous music scenarios and environments. This prototype can be used as a tool to inform future design solutions for existing music platforms to accommodate the needs and wants of the d/DHH community.

The Internet of Things, also known as IoT, refers to the network of physical devices that can send and receive data through the Internet. These devices are often embedded with sensors and process data which is then communicated to humans, giving us greater control over the spaces that we inhabit and introduces ways to interact with technology that goes beyond screen interfaces and into the physical world. Internet of Light (IoL) is a Human Centered Design & Engineering (HCDE) research group where we leverage IoT technologies for creative expression, data visualization, and human connection. Students in the group design and develop an interactive lighting installation located in Sieg Hall on the University of Washington campus, utilizing the canvas of Philips Hue Smart Lighting. However, students, both new and returning, are tasked to learn how to program the lights, design an installation idea, and build it all within 10 weeks. Too much time is spent on learning the technicalities of programming the installation, leaving little time for students to dive deeper into the creative process, experiment with different possible interactive modes, and execute their ideas. This project is developing a framework for designing interactive spatial experiences that aims to address recurring issues and maximize learning efficiency, which would allow future runs of the research group to be more successful. I've designed and created a set of learning materials including slide decks, video tutorials, and organizational tools aimed at cutting down learning time from a previous average of 3-5 weeks to 1-2 weeks. Establishing this framework gives future students the necessary tools and additional time to experiment, design, build, and evaluate their installations. I anticipate that future iterations of the IoL research group will offer students a more complete installation designing experience and produce higher quality installation experiences as a result.