Looptracks
Looptracks is an interactive interface for audiovisual composition. Dragging and clicking on rectangular forms triggers or interrupts looping audio samples and simple animations. More options become available as a user plays the piece, making performance an integral part of navigation.
Looptracks is an exploration of digital media which makes use of the computer’s ability to layer, trigger and interrupt sound and animation in real time. Playing with Looptracks is in some ways reminiscent of playing a musical instrument, or using a DJ’s turntables. However, the experience is as much about visuals as it is about sound. Fast moving visuals slide across the screen with a feeling speed and flow. A sense is created of being able to reach into this flow and control it, interrupt it or change its direction.
The more the user plays with the media available the more sound and animation is unlocked. In this way the process of editing is combined with the process of navigation. The purpose is to blur the boundary between the performance and passive reception of digital media. The user must perform the piece in order to navigate through it, a process which is designed to be enjoyable.