Global design challenge launched to invent new musical experience

RS Components has started a global design challenge on its DesignSpark engineering and maker community website, giving a prize for the winner worth £1,500 of products from their RS range. The ‘Summer of Sound’ competition tasks contestants to design a new musical experience with the aid of technology. This could extend from the invention of a new electronic musical instrument, or hack of an existing acoustic instrument, to the creation of a revolutionary new digital musical interface. To qualify, the design must be authentic and deliver an audible musical sound. “At this time of year, when many people are geared up for festival season, it is apt to launch a design challenge that inspires innovation amongst those with a passion for music and technology,” said Mike Bray, VP of DesignSpark at RS. “It also illustrates how the creative and engineering disciplines overlap, a message we are keen to deliver, especially to the younger population in the face of a shortage of engineering skills. “We are very excited to see what ideas the challenge will bring and, who knows, it may uncover a groundbreaking new musical approach to take to stages and arenas around the world.” The Summer of Sound design challenge runs from 09:00 (BST) on Monday 11 June 2018 until 17:00 (BST) on Friday 28 September 2018.