Today, we refined our project more specifically to incorporate a wider range of movement that Sarah deals with. This includes two cymbals to the top, and another to her left side. We also had to begin to consider the mechanics of our project, and how to expand the idea of it beyond just a drum kit. We are pursuing two softwares to simulate a drum kit, and began the process of learning how to incorporate them into our project. I'm excited to use revolutionary/commercialized drum software to make this all work. I'm also very excited to introduce our idea to Sarah and see how she reacts to it. We are unknown to the dimensions of her chair, and want to learn those.

Max and I continued to prototype our project and use the help of the wheelchair to better our understanding and other various tests. We also researched how electronic drum kits are created to inspire our plan. We looked at creations like "drum anywhere" and "makey-makey" and we are interested in those projects. I'm really excited for the future of this project, Max and I really want get this done and it would be so amazing if we could do that for Sara. Wednesday, we hope to figure out dimensions for her wheelchair.

Please write about: the problem you're solving and the ways in which you are thinking about solving that problems. This should be at least 4 sentences

Our problem is less of a tangible issue that Sarah has to deal with, and more of an aspiration we want to provide her with the tools to reach. Sarah expressed interest in drumming, but because of her difficulties with holding objects and controlling the movements in her arms and one of her legs, we had to come up with a way to provide a drum kit that is accessible to her. In my original sketches, I developed ideas that allow her to utilize her good arm and good leg, with different attachments to her chair so she doesn't have to change her environment to access the drums. Once Nick and I converged ideas, we came up with four main parameters to meet in order to make this project successful and beneficial for Sarah: having different types of drums in a drum kit, using both her hand(s) and foot/feet to slowly gain more control of her body, having a way to improve at drumming to experience it in full, and a way to include her occasional spastic movements—rewarding them with drum noises instead of trying to stop them. Our most recent draft was a table attached to the handlebars of a wheelchair, with two pedals that attach to the foot rest.

Next week, I would like to begin modeling our first official draft in rhino, identifying any design issues that arise, and creating a list of resources/technology we will need.

Max and I have a strong interest in music and we really want to create this drumset for Sara. We do not only want to create something to make sound, but also a realistic kit so she can visually see the drums she is hitting. With the board and pedal idea, we want to help her use her hands and feet. It would be great if this can help her multitask and move and maybe even make some cool beats.

Max and I have a strong interest in music and we really want to create this drumset for Sara. We do not only want to create something to make sound, but also a realistic kit so she can visually see the drums she is hitting. With the board and pedal idea, we want to help her use her hands and feet. It would be great if this can help her multitask and move and maybe even make some cool beats.

What if....we made a physical kit, and using Makey Makey, make it more abstract???

Homepage

Examples

Arduino Head Kit

http://www.instructables.com/id/DIY-Rock-Band-Drum-kit-8quot-Mesh-Head-Mod-Tutor/

Drums Anywhere Homepage