tiny design lab

Have you ever wondered how ensemble musicians can play in such tight synchrony with each other?

Under the direction of Dr. Janeen Loehr, Ph.D., the Brain in Action and Interaction Lab explores the mechanisms behind joint action.

Services Provided

  • Program experimental setups using Python.
  • Develop data analysis and visualization pipelines in MATLAB and R.
  • Assist with data management using OneDrive, SharePoint, and Datastore.
  • Manage and maintain SharePoint sites.
  • Troubleshoot technical setups for recording human physiological activity.
  • Onboard and assist student researcher.
  • Provide technical instruction in programming, data analysis, and system setup.
  • Manage finances and budgets, expense claims.
  • Organize meetings: scheduling, room booking, and preparing meeting summaries.
  • Website development and maintenance: janeenloehr.com
  • Designed and produced graphic materials for social media, posters, email campaigns, and other promotional initiatives.

Notable Project

Memory Music Maker (MMM) Duet System

Overview

I designed and built the Music Memory Makers Duet System proof of concept, a research prototype that helps people living with dementia and their spouses play meaningful songs together.

View project - GitHub Repository

  • Project type: UX/UI, Prototyping, Programming
  • Role: UX/UI Designer, Programmer, Data analyst, Electrical Designer
  • Tech: ESP32 microcontroller, Arduino, Max/MSP, Autodesk Fusion, Max, 3D Printing

Problem

Couples affected by dementia benefit from shared, low-barrier activities, but playing a duet using traditional instruments pose a significant barrier to some. The goal of the project was to develop a wireless proof of concept device building on some the innovations that were made in the lab.

Challenges & Solutions

  • Complex Legacy Software: Simplified and reorganized Max/MSP patches for clarity and improve UI to make it more intuitive.
  • Ease of use: Prototyped multiple3D-printed enclosures to balance sturdiness and handling with ease of rotation

My Contribution

  • Hardware Prototyping: Wired and assembled the ESP32-based duet device, creating a portable, durable unit housed in custom 3D-printed cases.
  • Software & UX Refinement: Conducted a heuristic analysis of the original Max/MSP application, identified usability pain points, and refactored the code for a cleaner, more intuitive interface requiring minimal technical experience.
  • Iterative Development: Collaborated with researchers and participant feedback loops to adjust features and ensure effortless, “plug-and-play” engagement
Low-fidelity prototypes of GUI
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Ideation

After performing a heuristic analysis of the existing system, we met to discuss where we wanted to go both in terms of big picture thinking and what we can achieve with our limited budget and scope. This included developing a shared vocabulary through the use of low fidelity wireframes and sketches.

Early physical prototype
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Prototyping

The process began with reviewing what off the shelf technology was available that can duplicate what was being used in the lab and making it wireless. We found that we can get the same results, with an easier to assemble product changing from an optical sensor to a rotary encoder. The next step would be to iterate, test, iterate. Everything from handle to box size to shape would change after soliciting feedback from users.

Low-fidelity prototypes of GUI
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Refactoring

Max by Cycling '74 is a great tool for experimenting and creativity. However, being a visual programming language, it does not lend itself to some programming best practices. We wanted this tool to be as approachable as possible so it began with refactoring the code so that things can be identified and understood more easily. While this project may not go further than proof of concept, we wanted to ensure we can achieve as many design heuristics as possible.

Takeaway

Developing the Music Memory Makers Duet System showed me how thoughtful integration of hardware and software can directly nurture human relationships. Built on an ESP32 platform with Arduino and Max/MSP, I prototyped and wired the device, 3D-printed enclosures, and refactored the application’s interface to be as effortless as turning on a radio. Every design choice—from tactile controls to a simplified visual layout—was guided by the goal of helping couples living with dementia engage without technical barriers.

Crucially, the system erases the traditional obstacle of needing to play a musical instrument, letting participants create meaningful duets simply by interacting with the device. Through iterative testing with participants and their caregivers, I saw that the most successful engineering wasn’t about adding features, but about removing friction so the duet system could fade into the background, allowing the music—and the shared moments it created—to take center stage. This project reinforced that technology’s real achievement lies in enabling connection, not complexity.