Jordan Frand
The Balans Mat is a yoga mat that gives you audio feedback to help you achieve a balance throughout your yoga practice.
Description
The Balans Mat is a yoga mat that gives you audio feedback to help you achieve balance throughout your yoga practice. Force sensors embedded in the mat send information about the distribution of your weight to a Max MSP program, which in turn adjusts the volume in the four speakers surrounding the mat. The force sensors are constructed from Velostat, a soft material which allows the mat to be rolled up, stored, and easily carried. The sensors are located in four quadrants of the mat so that, whether you're in a balancing posture, inversion, seated position, etc., at the front, middle, sides, or back of the mat, the speakers surrounding you will help you find your center and encourage you to stay there. The vestibular system is the strongest contributor to human balance and is located in the inner ear. It is for this reason that the Balans Mat uses audio-biofeedback instead of visual. This installation of the mat requires a MOTU Traveler and four speakers
Classes
Introduction to Physical Computing