FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Dinkum: Spatial Audio Communication Tool

Designer Tobias Kappeler introduces Dinkum, a groundbreaking spatial audio communication tool designed to address the challenges of remote collaboration during the pandemic. Dinkum allows users to immerse themselves in customizable audio environments, enhancing remote conversations with a heightened sense of presence and intimacy.

Dinkum offers users the ability to select from three room sizes (intimate, casual, adventurous) and different ambisonic background sounds, tailored to match the type of conversation and participants they are engaging with. This unique feature adds an extra layer of interaction to remote conversations, increasing conversation fluency and intimacy.

The project was developed through iterative prototyping, intensive user testing, and a strong collaboration between academia and industry. Utilizing the 3D Tune-In Toolkit real-time binaural spatialization tool, Dinkum simulates the reverberation of different room sizes, the distance to the listener, and the direction to the sound source. The tool was developed using VST plugins within Ableton Live and tested through a signal processing path that allowed for remote user testing.

Designed to operate as a mobile application, Dinkum allows users to start conversations by selecting participants, room sizes, and ambisonic background sounds. Users can also save groups and settings for recurring conversations, providing a seamless and intuitive experience.

Tobias Kappeler, the designer behind Dinkum, is an interaction and experience designer with a multidisciplinary approach to design. His keen eye for detail, prototyping workflow, and passion for user-centered design give him a unique edge in developing innovative solutions that seamlessly integrate into people's lives.

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