Seattle Symphony
Octave 9
Built to showcase musicians and music programming in a more intimate setting, I created an immersive generative engine as a visual accompaniment to this state of the art acoustical space. A dynamic signage system was also designed to promote the space and future shows.
My Role
UI/UX design – including wireframes, visual design, animation, prototyping, testing, and CMS.
The Space
Generative visuals are projected onto configurable panels surrounding the performance space.
Multiplex Signage
The Multiplex displays performance and program information for Octave 9 and Benaroya Hall. With templated layouts and an intuitive CMS, symphony staff can easily create new multiplex designs for each event. Echoing the colour palettes designed for Octave 9, I created a set of matching gradients that could be used as backdrops for the event screens.
The CMS
The CMS allows the Symphony to create new show visualizations and signage layouts. With such full-spectrum functionality, the CMS needed to serve a few different user types and permissions:
| User | Permissions |
|---|---|
| Symphony Staff, Marketing |
• Multiplex |
| Symphony Staff, Administrator |
• Multiplex • Generative Visual Engine |
| Artist-in-Residence | • Generative Visual Engine • Full access to customize the Generative Visual Engine |
| Performing Artist | • Generative Visual Engine |
The Generative Visual Engine allows the artist to compose a series of visualizations, then save them into a “setlist.” The setlist can be viewed in thumbnail or list form.
A preview window allows the artist to load music files and rehearse their visualizations before a performance.
Visualization Presets &
Colour Palettes
I curated and refined over 15 distinct visual presets in the dynamic visualization engine, organized into 3 levels of responsiveness: Passive, responsive to sound, and responsive to movement.
Colour selections are organized into two families—vibrant and moody. From there I created a wide range of palettes that were warm, cool, monochromatic, complementary, and full colour.
Designed to be a starting point for the artist, the presets and colour palettes allow them to customize the visualization for each performance.
Team
Principal: Gabe Kean / Studio Director: Sarah Trueblood / Design Director: Claudia de Almeida / Technology Director: Edward Tang / Lead Developer: Zach Archer / Content Lead: Natalie Karbelnig / Senior Designer: Edrea Lita / Designer: Isabella Vasquez / Contributing Creative Director: Thomas Ryun / Quality Assurance Engineer: Siarhei Bokach
Project Partners
Architect: LMN Architects / A/V Systems & Acoustical Design: Jaffe Holden / A/V Integration: Diversified / Digital Acoustic Architecture: Meyer Sound / Lighting Design: Schuler Shook / General Contractor: JTM Construction / Project Leadership: Seattle Symphony / Photography: James Holt and Seattle Symphony / Videography: John Jeffcoat and Doug Hostetter
Awards
Digital Signage Awards Creative Execution Finalist, 2021