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Jambo: The world’s first rideable instrument.

03 RESPONSIBILITIES

Sound Interaction

Physical Prototyping

DELIVERABLES

Interactive Prototype

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INTRO

Longboard dancing looks cool, can it sound cool, too?

Jambo was inspired by our love of longboard dancing - a form of skateboarding best described as flowy, rhythmic, and expressive.

So why can’t longboards actually sing with every move? We feel that with the musical nature of this art, there must be a more immersive, multisensory interface for dancers to express themselves.

We created a working, music instrument that enables riders to express their skating through sound.

Jambo was inspired by our love of longboard dancing - a form of skateboarding best described as flowy, rhythmic, and expressive.

So why can’t longboards actually sing with every move? We feel that with the musical nature of this art, there must be a more immersive, multisensory interface for dancers to express themselves.

We created a working, music instrument that enables riders to express their skating through sound.

Jambo was inspired by our love of longboard dancing - a form of skateboarding best described as flowy, rhythmic, and expressive.

So why can’t longboards actually sing with every move? We feel that with the musical nature of this art, there must be a more immersive, multisensory interface for dancers to express themselves.

We created a working, music instrument that enables riders to express their skating through sound.

Trailer Video

Concept

A music layer of self-expression.

Instead of following an existing beat, riders can generate their own music.
Hands-free, heart-free

Instead of following an existing beat, riders can generate their own music.
Hands-free, heart-free

Instead of following an existing beat, riders can generate their own music.
Hands-free, heart-free

This is what longboard dancing looks like. Dancers usually post-edit music or listen to music while they dance.

Here’s what Jambo sounds like. The rider’s dancing style is captured by the board and transformed into sound.

Jambo anatomy

Jambo as a MIDI controller...

When ridden, a suite of sensors embedded within the board record the behavior of a rider and transmit the signal to a device running DAW audio software, creating music with the imprint of a rider’s style.

Sample sound

Pitch bend

tempo

Sample sound

Pitch bend

tempo

Click on each component to explore the sensors on Jambo!

Force-sensitive resistor: sandwich the Velostat between two squares of copper tape.

Drum Pad: based on which part of the board is pressed, different samples will play.

Sample sound

Velostat

copper tape

Force-sensitive resistor: sandwich the Velostat between two squares of copper tape.

Drum Pad: based on which part of the board is pressed, different samples will play.

Sample sound

Velostat

copper tape

Force-sensitive resistor: sandwich the Velostat between two squares of copper tape.

Drum Pad: based on which part of the board is pressed, different samples will play.

Sample sound

Velostat

copper tape

Target Users

Intersectionality: Merging Two Worlds

As a MIDI instrument in a longboard, Jambo is at a unique intersection between longboard dancers and music producers. This dual audience would result in users from both backgrounds bringing in expertise from their “worlds”, where skill sets can be combined to co-create new styles of expression.

User Background

Medium (Jambo)

Experience

Music Driven By

Emphasis on Dancing

Music Driven By

Emphasis on Dancing

Brings new perspective to

Music Production

Brings new perspective to

Music Production

Music Driven By

Emphasis on Musicianship

Music Driven By

Emphasis on Musicianship

Brings new perspective to

Longboard Dancing

Brings new perspective to

Longboard Dancing

Design Philosophy

High ceiling, wide wall, no floor

Jambo is likely the first time that users are introduced to either longboard dancing, music production, or both. Therefore, making Jambo easy to use for beginners yet versatile enough for maestros was important when developing its interactions. Seymour Papert’s model of low floors, high ceiling, and wide walls model was a guiding principle behind Jambo’s design.

Prototyping

First working prototype in a month

using an ESP-32 microcontroller, homemade pressure sensors, and plenty of impromptu testing.

Additional micro adjustments & customization within Max/msp

potential for generative sound synthesis & effect

Gather data of dancer’s movements using Arduino

feet position, wheel speed, and board tilt

Map value to MIDI Control in Ableton Live

to sample sound, tempo, and pitch

Fabrication

Improvement area 1: More ergonomic & reliable Sensor Pads

layout

Jambo 1.0

Jambo 2.0

triggering multiple sensors all the time

clearance at the center avoids accidentally triggering sounds.

shape & size

the shape and size of the new sensor pad resemble a foot, which is more ergonomic for dancers.

Jambo 1.0

Jambo 2.0

when the dancer is simply pushing forward, the front foot stays near the center. This new layout makes music interaction more intentional.

fabrication

old sensors are unpredictable and too sensitive. we added more elastic material as a cushion in-between. New sensors are more reliable, stable, and durable.