Case Study

Acoustic Simulator

Equipson, a leading company in the professional audio industry, recognized the need for an advanced tool that could model sound distribution in various spaces. The goal was to develop an innovative acoustic simulator platform that could visually and accurately represent sound pressure levels based on speaker placement and the specific characteristics of different environments.

Year

2021

Client

Equipson

Project Type

WebApp

Keywords

Data, Product Design, UX/UI, Development, Deployment

Overview

Transforming Sound Design with an Innovative Acoustic Simulation Platform

Problem

Designing audio setups for different spaces, whether for concerts, conferences, or public venues, requires precise planning to ensure optimal sound quality. Traditional methods of estimating sound distribution often result in uneven coverage and poor listening experiences. Equipson needed a solution that could help audio professionals predict how sound would behave in a given space, taking into account factors such as room dimensions, speaker placement, and sound pressure levels.

Solution

We developed a cutting-edge acoustic simulator platform that allows users to model the distribution of sound pressure across different spaces. The platform is user-friendly and incorporates a heat map to display sound pressure levels based on speaker placement and room characteristics such as height and depth. This tool guides users in determining the required volume levels for optimal sound output.The core of the project is a sophisticated mathematical-physical model, which was critical in developing the software and the overall platform. After processing the input data, the platform can recommend the most appropriate sound amplification equipment to enhance the listening experience in the given space. This solution not only simplifies the process of designing audio setups but also ensures that the final output meets the highest standards of sound quality.

Stack

Discovery

Understanding the problem

Deep Dive

During the Discovery phase, we conducted detailed discussions with Equipson’s product development team and key stakeholders to fully understand the challenges in modeling acoustic environments. This phase involved gathering insights from audio engineers, designers, and technicians to ensure that the simulator would meet the precise needs of professionals in the field.

Definitions

In the Definitions phase, we established the core technical and architectural requirements for the acoustic simulator platform. These decisions were critical in ensuring that the platform would deliver accurate simulations, be user-friendly, and integrate seamlessly with existing audio systems. This phase also included setting clear goals for the mathematical-physical models that would drive the simulation accuracy.

Key Takeaways
01

We identified the essential acoustic parameters, such as sound pressure levels, frequency response, and room dimensions, that needed to be modeled for accurate simulation

02

The mathematical-physical model was designed to accurately simulate sound behavior in diverse environments, considering variables like speaker placement, room acoustics, and environmental factors

03

A user-friendly interface was developed to allow users to easily input data, visualize sound distribution via heat maps, and adjust parameters in real-time

04

We ensured that the simulator platform could seamlessly recommend the appropriate sound amplification equipment based on the simulated acoustic environment

05

The platform was optimized to process complex acoustic simulations quickly, providing real-time feedback and recommendations to users

06

A framework was established for ongoing calibration and updates to the simulation models, ensuring they remain accurate as new data and acoustic technologies emerge

Design

Design System

After defining the core components, we created a cohesive design system that ensured consistency across the entire platform. This system included standardized UI elements, such as buttons, icons, and input fields, as well as a clear color scheme and typography. The design system aimed to provide a seamless user experience, allowing users to interact with the simulator intuitively.

User Interface and Simulation

The interface was designed to allow users to input variables such as room dimensions, speaker types, and simulation parameters effortlessly. The platform then uses this data to generate a heat map that visually represents sound pressure distribution.
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‍Heat Map Visualization. Users can see a detailed heat map that shows the distribution of sound pressure in decibels (dB) across the room. This visualization helps users understand how sound will propagate and where adjustments might be needed.
‍Equipment Recommendations. Based on the simulation results, the platform recommends the most suitable audio equipment, such as speakers and amplifiers, ensuring optimal sound performance in the space.
‍Advanced Filters. Users can refine their equipment selection by applying advanced filters, such as DSP settings, control options, and power requirements, to tailor the recommendations to their specific needs.

WebApp

Acoustic Simulator