Carla Diana: MIDI Beyond Music Program – Connecting Sensors, Microcontrollers, and Projection

Architecture and Design
Design
Faculty

I’ve been invited to participate in ITP Camp at NYU, a creative technology program that brings together educators, artists, and technologists working in physical computing and interactive design. As part of this program, I proposed and will lead a hands-on workshop titled “MIDI Beyond Music: Connecting Sensors, Microcontrollers, and Projection.” This workshop builds on techniques developed for MobilityTown, an interactive exhibition presented at Michigan Central and Newlab, supported by a grant from the Knight Foundation. In that project, physical interfaces and sensor-driven systems were used to control projection-mapped environments, creating responsive, immersive storytelling experiences. At ITP Camp, I will translate this work into a hands-on session exploring how MIDI — traditionally used for musical instruments — can be repurposed as a flexible control system for interactive installations. Participants will learn how to connect sensors, microcontrollers, and projection systems to create responsive environments that translate physical input into dynamic audiovisual output. The session focuses on practical techniques, including signal flow, system design, and strategies for building expressive, real-time interactions. This work is part of my broader research in physical computing and human-centered technology design, where I explore how digital systems can become more intuitive, tangible, and engaging. Participation in ITP Camp also provides an opportunity to engage with a global community of practitioners and educators in creative technology. Insights from this experience will directly inform my teaching at Lawrence Technological University, particularly in courses such as Wearable Technology and other studio-based classes.

I work at the intersection of physical computing, robotics, and interaction design, exploring how technology can feel more relational, embodied, and responsive. My research focuses on designing interactive systems — from robots to immersive environments — that connect human behavior with physical and digital feedback.

ITP Camp

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4robotWall – Carla Diana

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