OVERVIEW:

ARON: Music Lives in the Cloud is a networked music system which enables ambient, non-task oriented listening and sharing experiences. The system includes a music streaming device and an online application for organizing music assets. The device is a biomorphic light form equipped with a "presence" interface for changing audio streams.

To change music, one holds their hand over ARON. The device will change in illumination and a new audio stream will begin.

By placing one's hand closer to ARON, one can send their music stream to friends and family in his/her personal mesh network. This action causes a change in the illumination of ARONs in the network. This is called the "passively-needy" mode. The duration of the shared music corresponds to the duration of the sender's hand in the "passively-needy" mode. The mode allows people to send their presence, via light language, in a passive manner. The exact identity of the sender will not be known and direct response is not required.

ARON was developed via a methodology called Reflexive Interactions. This methodology positions interaction designers as social agents. Interactions in design function to mediate the social exchange. The methodology was used to identify needs of music collectors toward developing conceptual prototypes which create delightful disruptions in their everyday lives.