Exploring ambient type in our surroundings, DJ Hear That!? investigates the relationship between ambient sound and vernacular typography through probing the environment to create an object of play.

DJ Hear That!? incorporates computation in design and is composed of a p5.js sketch that is controlled through a MIDI controller. Using the concept of DJing, users are able to “play” with sound and type simultaneously using the various controllers on the MIDI controller. Each letter has been allocated a certain abstract ambient sound that has been collected through vernacular typography. The controller allows users to type in letters to form words or graphical compositions.

Discipline: Research, Computation

Project Completed Under: LASALLE College of the Arts

Developed with collaborators: Matthew Lau and Azri Razak

Functions of DJ Hear That?! — A to Z, click here for video!

User Experience: Johnson creating a typographic composition of his name

User Experience: Jodi attempting to create a typographic piece influenced by type and sound

User Experience: Yuqi experimenting with words such as ‘yeet’

Listen to the audio when DJ Hear That?! is created, click here for video!