A new technology is about to change the live music experience for people who are deaf or hard of hearing. Using VR suits, a group of innovators at Not Impossible Labs have created a unique opportunity for people with varying levels of hearing loss to experience music through vibrations and touch. This technological advancement offers inclusivity and enjoyment that were not previously possible.
A little over a year ago, music and theatre artist Daniel Belquer joined a team with the ambition to improve the live music experience for people who are deaf or hard of hearing. They saw the creative ways these concertgoers used to experience music, such as sensing vibrations through balloons or turning speakers to the floor. This inspired them to develop something even more fantastic by using the latest VR technology. The result was Not Impossible Labs’ launch of “Music: Not Impossible,” a project dedicated to addressing social issues through technological innovation.
The VR suits, which have 24 vibrating plates, have already demonstrated their potential, including at the event “Silent disco: An evening of accessible magic” at the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts. There, 75 people were given the opportunity to experience music regardless of their hearing status. The VR DJ Paddy Hanlon created a unique symphony of emotions that synchronised with the music, and the audience members could adjust the sound level on their own headphones. This groundbreaking technological advancement opens the doors to a world of inclusivity, where the power of music can be experienced by everyone, regardless of hearing ability.
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