Using hacking and tinkering as design research methods, we investigate how we can sense and represent noise pollution through physical marks and traces. We explored new ways of portraying noise on a nostalgic childhood toy - a magnetic drawing board - through doodles. In doing so, we hope to raise awareness of ambient noise in familiar environments; that one would start questioning the amount of noise he/she is exposed to instead of ignoring it and "acclimatizing". 

​

Noise is one of the most pervasive pollutants embedded in our everyday environments. Noise pollution is primarily defined as a level of sound that is extremely loud, unwanted or disturbing. It interferes with everyday activities in the places where we live, work, commute, play or learn. It is NOT a fleeting moment of acute annoyance. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, noise pollution is correlated with adverse effects such as stress-related illnesses, high blood pressure, and hearing loss. In fact, the leading cause of hearing loss is not aging, but constant exposure to noise. Another growing issue is the amount of noise in the ocean caused by military sonar, oil explorations & ships, that has lead to campaigns for silent oceans. 

​

What about sounds that have no societal importance? What about sounds created by traffic on the highway? What about uncomfortable sound levels from the group dicussions happening next to you? Our society is beset by noise which is pervasive, ubiquitous and most importantly, unhealthy. Many would agree that most of the noise we are subjected to serves no useful purpose. Current work on noise pollution includes mapping and other preventive measures. However, the variety of noise polluting activities is large and there is no consensus about what is useful & desirable, versus what is unnecessary & pollutive. This occurs because sound is something we cannot see, touch or taste!

 

As such, we integrated sound, motor sensors, and magnets, to draw out magnetic fields on a magna doodle board. It enables people to see ambient noise being physically "drawn" out by moving magnets, in the form of colorful doodles. The doodle patterns are more than just a new visual representation; it adds a new perspective to tools that society generally considers "childish". It simultaneously alerts individuals to the amount of noise they are surrounded by and usually "tune out". First creating that awareness hopefully gifts individuals the ability to decide for themselves what is unnecessary and pollutive. 

​