Soundscapes in Our Hands
MSc Thesis:
Designing an Interactive Tool for Non-Experts to Shape a Virtual Soundscape
I built an interactive soundscape in Unity where users can explore a virtual grocery store and shape the audio in real time using a MIDI controller. This project is a real-time audio prototype that lets users both experience and modify a complex sound environment.
The system combines:
First-person navigation in a virtual space
Adaptive audio implemented in FMOD
Physical interaction through a MIDI controller
The goal was to make sound design more intuitive, interactive, and explorable, especially for non-audio specialists.
Key Features
Real-time audio control: Users can adjust multiple sound layers live using a MIDI controllerUsers can adjust multiple sound layers live using a MIDI controller
Spatial sound design: Environment built using ambisonic recordings for immersion
Interactive mixing system: Sound elements respond dynamically to user input
First-person exploration: Users move through the space while shaping the soundscape
What I did
Built the application in Unity (C#)
Implemented adaptive audio systems in FMOD
Designed and mixed the full soundscape
Recorded and edited ambisonic audio (Reaper)
Mapped MIDI input to audio parameters (e.g. filtering, levels, transitions)
Designed interaction logic for real-time sound manipulation
Process
Conducted field recordings and soundwalks in grocery stores
Analyzed how real-world soundscapes are structured and experienced
Ran a co-design workshop to explore how users describe soundscapes
Iterated on sound design and interaction mapping
Designed and conducted a user study
Outcome
Users were able to intuitively explore and manipulate the soundscape
The system supported reflection on how audio affects experience
User testing showed strong usability and engagement
Developed as my Master’s thesis at KTH, as part of a research project on soundscapes in retail environments.
Click HERE to read my thesis.