Muse.
Reducing confusion in music production through customizable hardware interfaces
project type.
Course Work
timeline.
3 months
applied skills.
User Research
Phyiscal Prototyping
3D Modeling
Design for Manufacturing
the problem.
Urban plant owners enjoy the aesthetics of plants in their home, but struggle with care and maintainence
A key health products and services company approached our team to observe and analyze their ‘boots on the ground’ current eCommerce operations to gain better visibility to how their various internal teams operate, collaborate and communicate with each other to prepare a product for digital shelf deployment, and to document where there was opportunity for process improvement.
How might we make music production a friendlier and more accessible experience for new and emerging music producers?
the solution.
A Portable Audio Workstation designed to translate digital production capabillities into be customized to better fit a producers workflow
Muse is a full audio workstation which leverages tangible interactions on a harware keybaord to bring tactile control to digital production interfaces, which brought a
layer of comfort and familiarity to my users intelligent planter designed to assist busy plant owners with keeping their plants alive. A moisture sensor within the soil informs the planter if the plant needs water, causing Osmo to mist water into the soil, ensuring healthy moisture levels so that the plants may continue to thrive.
Muse is a full audio workstation which leverages tangible interactions on a harware keybaord to bring tactile control to digital production interfaces, which brought a
layer of comfort and familiarity to my users intelligent planter designed to assist busy plant owners with keeping their plants alive. A moisture sensor within the soil informs the planter if the plant needs water, causing Osmo to mist water into the soil, ensuring healthy moisture levels so that the plants may continue to thrive.
defining the user needs.
Understanding the behaviors of novice music producers
Novice music producers require a solution that is...
recognizable.
The solution must blend into the enviornment of the users space
portable.
The solution must be portable to afford users the freedom to produce and create
wherever they want
integrated.
The solution must be well Integrated with current Music Production tools to
allow for long term use
aesthetic exploration.
Visualizing the operations through a circular lens
High-Tech Minimal
When designing the look and feel of Osmo, I took design inspiration from clean, aesthetically functional forms that communicate purpose and function simply and effectively while providing a timlessness and unobtrusiveness in the form
concept explorations.
Generating concepts for music production hardware
Ideation
Intial ideation was focused on identifying fun and functional forms
of physical production tools which could reframe the
experience to make it less intimidating
Intial ideation was focused on identifying fun and functional forms
of physical production tools which could reframe the
experience to make it less intimidating
Form Exploration
Once the concept was selected, models were crafted to find the right form. The design needed to be small enough for a user to throw into a backpack, but large enough to be comfortable to use
The models were shown to users alongside CMF sketches to establish the final pill-shape and the swiveling planter of Osmo.
hardware features.
Muse is designed to adapt and grow with the user as they continue to develop as a producer.
About Muse
Muse features a customizable, gesture based keyed and touch interface, as well as physical X/Y controllers for an added level of interaction between the user and their digital interfaces
Standardized Ports
Muse is fitted with standard 1/4"/XLR inputs which allow it to seamlessly integrate with other Digital Audio Production tools, and a USB-C port for plug and play use with computers
Versatile Hardware
An Integrated Speaker and Microphone system as well as a 3.5mm headphone jack allows for full production and creativity, even when a user is away from their computer.
Solid-State Keyboard
Having a gesture based keyboard with simulated clicks allows users to physically interact with their digital production tools on a physical platform, while still offering the familiar usability of a traditional synthesizer
Ergonomic Design
Muse features a sloped keyed design, which allows for more ergonomics and a comfortable angle when in use for long periods of time
Muse Digital Audio Interface Plug-In
Alongside the hardware, Muse also features a mapping interface plug-in for Digital audio Workstation to allow users to map specific function start exist within the DAW, and apply them to their Muse system for easy access and usability
hardware features.
A Bill Of Materials was created to identify manufacturing and production costs for the system. The number are based on an initial run of 8000 units.
© 2026 PAVAN RADHAKRISHNAN
Muse.
Reducing confusion in music production through customizable hardware interfaces
project type.
Course Work
timeline.
3 months
applied skills.
User Research
Phyiscal Prototyping
3D Modeling
Design for Manufacturing
the problem.
Urban plant owners enjoy the aesthetics of plants in their home, but struggle with care and maintainence
Current Music Production Tools are highly complex interfaces that require tinkering and experience to fully grasp. Those new to music production often feel intimidated by the learning curve and become discouraged to continue pursuing production.
How might we make music production a friendlier and more accessible experience for new and emerging music producers?
the solution.
A Portable Audio Workstation designed to translate digital production capabillities into be customized to better fit a producers workflow
Muse is a full audio workstation which leverages tangible interactions on a harware keybaord to bring tactile control to digital production interfaces, which brought a
layer of comfort and familiarity to my users intelligent planter designed to assist busy plant owners with keeping their plants alive. A moisture sensor within the soil informs the planter if the plant needs water, causing Osmo to mist water into the soil, ensuring healthy moisture levels so that the plants may continue to thrive.
Muse is a full audio workstation which leverages tangible interactions on a harware keybaord to bring tactile control to digital production interfaces, which brought a
layer of comfort and familiarity to my users intelligent planter designed to assist busy plant owners with keeping their plants alive. A moisture sensor within the soil informs the planter if the plant needs water, causing Osmo to mist water into the soil, ensuring healthy moisture levels so that the plants may continue to thrive.
defining the user needs.
Understanding the behaviors of novice music producers
Novice music producers require a solution that is...
recognizable.
The solution must blend into the enviornment of the users space
portable.
The solution must be portable to afford users the freedom to produce and create
wherever they want
integrated.
The solution must be well Integrated with current Music Production tools to
allow for long term use
aesthetic exploration.
Visualizing the operations through a circular lens
High-Tech Minimal
When designing the look and feel of Osmo, I took design inspiration from clean, aesthetically functional forms that communicate purpose and function simply and effectively while providing a timlessness and unobtrusiveness in the form
concept explorations.
Generating concepts for music production hardware
Ideation
Intial ideation was focused on identifying fun and functional forms
of physical production tools which could reframe the
experience to make it less intimidating
Intial ideation was focused on identifying fun and functional forms
of physical production tools which could reframe the
experience to make it less intimidating
Form Exploration
Once the concept was selected, models were crafted to find the right form. The design needed to be small enough for a user to throw into a backpack, but large enough to be comfortable to use
The models were shown to users alongside CMF sketches to establish the final pill-shape and the swiveling planter of Osmo.
design features.
Muse is designed to adapt and grow with the user as they continue to develop as a producer.
About Muse
Muse features a customizable, gesture based keyed and touch interface, as well as physical X/Y controllers for an added level of interaction between the user and their digital interfaces
Standardized Ports
Muse is fitted with standard 1/4"/XLR inputs which allow it to seamlessly integrate with other Digital Audio Production tools, and a USB-C port for plug and play use with computers
Versatile Hardware
An Integrated Speaker and Microphone system as well as a 3.5mm headphone jack allows for full production and creativity, even when a user is away from their computer.
Solid-State Keyboard
Having a gesture based keyboard with simulated clicks allows users to physically interact with their digital production tools on a physical platform, while still offering the familiar usability of a traditional synthesizer
Ergonomic Design
Muse features a sloped keyed design, which allows for more ergonomics and a comfortable angle when in use for long periods of time
Muse Digital Audio Interface Plug-In
Alongside the hardware, Muse also features a mapping interface plug-in for Digital audio Workstation to allow users to map specific function start exist within the DAW, and apply them to their Muse system for easy access and usability
design features.
A Bill Of Materials was created to identify manufacturing and production costs for the system. The number are based on an initial run of 8000 units.
Muse.
Reducing confusion in music production through customizable hardware interfaces
project type.
Course Work
timeline.
3 months
applied skills.
User Research
Physical Prototyping
3D Modeling
Design for Manufacturing
the problem.
Novice music producers often feel intimidated to use Digital audio workstations due to high barriers of entry and confusing UI navigation
Current Music Production Tools are highly complex interfaces that require tinkering and experience to fully grasp. Those new to music production often feel intimidated by the learning curve and become discouraged to continue pursuing production.
How might we make music production a friendlier and more accessible experience for new and emerging music producers?
the solution.
A Portable Audio Workstation designed to translate digital production capabilities into physical actions
Muse is a full audio workstation which leverages tangible interactions on a hardware keyboard, bringing tactile control to digital production interfaces.
This level of tactility lowers the barrier of entry to music production by encouraging exploration and play and a method to educate novice producers of key production capabilities
defining the user needs.
Understanding the behaviors of novice music producers
Novice music producers require a solution that is...
recognizable.
The solution must be recognizable as a music tool to help familiarize users to production software and experiences
portable.
The solution must be portable to afford users the freedom to produce and create
wherever they want
integrated.
The solution must be well Integrated with current Music Production tools to
allow for long term use
aesthetic exploration.
Defining the visual identity
High-Tech Minimal
When designing the look and feel of Muse, I wanted to focus on clean and aesthetically similar design to existing music production tools and other popular electronics to relate the product to the industry and communicate purpose to the users while retaining a high quality look and feel
concept explorations.
Generating concepts for music production hardware
Ideation
Initial ideation was focused on identifying fun and functional forms of physical production tools which could reframe the production experience to make it less intimidating.
A concept based around a synthesizer was selected to be moved forward due to its recognition to all levels of producers as well as its reputation in the Music Industry
Form Exploration
Once the concept was selected, models were crafted to find the right form. The design needed to be small enough for a user to throw into a backpack, but large enough to be comfortable to use
The models were shown to users alongside CMF sketches for feedback and buy-in to establish the final shape of Muse
hardware features.
Muse is designed to adapt and grow with the user as they continue to develop as a producer.
About Muse
Muse features a customizable, gesture based keyed and touch interface, as well as physical X/Y controllers for an added level of interaction between the user and their digital interfaces
Standardized Ports
Muse is fitted with standard 1/4"/XLR inputs which allow it to seamlessly integrate with other Digital Audio Production tools, and a USB-C port for plug and play use with computers
Versatile Hardware
An Integrated Speaker and Microphone system as well as a 3.5mm headphone jack allows for full production and creativity, even when a user is away from their computer.
Solid-State Keyboard
Having a gesture based keyboard with simulated clicks allows users to physically interact with their digital production tools on a physical platform, while still offering the familiar usability of a traditional synthesizer
Ergonomic Design
Muse features a sloped keyed design, which allows for more ergonomics and a comfortable angle when in use for long periods of time
Muse Digital Audio Interface Plug-In
Alongside the hardware, Muse also features a mapping interface plug-in for Digital audio Workstation to allow users to map specific function start exist within the DAW, and apply them to their Muse system for easy access and usability
cost breakdown.
A Bill Of Materials was created to identify manufacturing and production costs for the system. The number are based on an initial run of 8000 units.