Spring 2023 update: I actually ended up being an undergraduate teaching assistant for this class!
For my first prototype, I started with this simple LED device using a Teensy 3.2 and 1 potentiometer.
The rate of LED movement is dependent on potentiometer input.
For my next prototype, I created an additive/subtractive synth with a joystick! It was so much fun to work with. I utilized both the square and sine wave functions for a really neat sound. The joystick also controlled the attack and release parameters within the envelope, allowing for more interactivity.
Next, I made a granular synth with 6 grains, using a sample of Mr. Ozio's "Flat Beat" as an example for this demo. It had a pitch shift, low pass filter, and adjustable envelope. I began really experimenting with modular UI designs with this project, something I continue to explore through my later builds.
For my following prototype, I made a feedback delay FM synthesizer. I built off of a previous prototype from class to add a delay element to the classic FM Synthesizer. It has four potentiometers: one to control waveform frequency, one to control the modulation index, one for the modulated waveform frequency, and the last controls the delay wet/dry mix.
I began experimenting with sending MIDI notes to and from my computer, and continued to play with playful and minimal UI design to make the experience, as I say, (many, many times) ... "fun."
The three buttons can be "set" with the joystick, allowing for a wide note range. LEDs indicate which button is "active," and while currently set to control a low-pass filter, the potentiometer can be mapped to control any parameter.
And finally, my final project! I wanted to dive fully into the concept of a modular UI: maximum flexibility with thoughtfully minimal design. I originally had an idea in mind which required too many analog pins that my device couldn't handle. Thus, I kept it (relatively) simple with an LCD monitor, a rotary encoder, a button, and a potentiometer. I programmed the UI to control 2 waveforms, including their shapes, frequencies, and amplitudes, as well as the modulation frequency and amplitude, a modulation wet/dry mixer, and, of course, a low-pass filter. As you can imagine, this prototype had the capability to produce a vast array of sounds, despite its simple interface.