Project
PULSE
Built with
Fantasy Non-Museum
A musical sequencer built for a museum, not a studio.
An interactive installation inspired by the sounds, rhythms, and characters of Plovdiv. Designed and engineered for the Fantasy Non-Museum — transforming a musical concept into a durable public exhibit that lets visitors create and record their own compositions.
How do you turn a city into an instrument?
PULSE started as an artistic idea: capturing the “heartbeat” of Plovdiv through music made from the sounds, voices, and atmosphere of the city itself.
The challenge was translating that concept into a physical object that anyone could use instantly — regardless of musical background. It needed to feel playful and intuitive as an exhibition piece, while still functioning as a real musical instrument underneath.
Working closely with musician and composer Martin Denev, we developed a custom sequencer that balanced accessibility, robustness, and expressive control. The result became one of the most popular interactive exhibits in the museum.
A sequencer designed for public interaction.
PULSE combines custom electronics, firmware, and physical interaction into a musical installation built for continuous public use. The system allows visitors to create layered compositions using combinations of sounds inspired by Plovdiv’s culture, streets, and local mythology.
The interface was intentionally simplified so anyone could create something musical within seconds — while still offering enough depth to encourage experimentation and replayability.
From prototype to permanent exhibit.
We handled the full product development process — from shaping the original concept into a manufacturable system to engineering a second-generation hardware platform robust enough for heavy daily interaction inside the museum environment.
Product Design
Physical form, interaction model, naming, and visual identity
Custom Electronics
System architecture, PCB design, and hardware integration
Firmware Development
Sequencer logic, interaction behavior, and audio system control, web services
Prototype Development
Rapid functional prototype for concept validation and testing
Production Revision
Reinforced buttons, custom PCBs, and improved reliability for public use
Assembly & Testing
Manufacturing, integration, calibration, and deployment support
Built to be played all day.
PULSE successfully transformed an experimental artistic concept into a durable interactive installation used daily by museum visitors. The exhibit became one of the standout attractions of the Fantasy Non-Museum, combining local storytelling, music, and physical interaction into a single experience.
Its modular architecture also enabled future revisions and expansion, including downloadable recordings and upgraded multi-user listening stations.
32
interactive buttons in the custom sequencer grid
3
months from concept to deployed installation
1
permanent interactive exhibit installed in the Fantasy Non-Museum
We had an idea for an interactive installation inspired by the sounds of Plovdiv, but turning it into a real device required serious engineering. Resonator helped us design and build PULSE, a custom musical sequencer that lets visitors create their own compositions. Today it’s one of the most popular exhibits in the museum.”
Todor Popov, Founder of Non-Museum Plovdiv
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