HAP-BEAT

Introduction

Welcome to the exciting world of HAP-BEAT! This special music kit invites you to discover and create rhythm in a totally new way, using the sense of touch. We're exploring music beyond just what you hear, redefining sound through fascinating vibrations. Get ready to feel your rhythms and experience composition with your body!

HAP-BEAT is a fusion of "haptic" and "beat" — a music kit that sequences rhythmic patterns through vibration. It consists of two parts: a haptic step sequencer that generates tactile rhythms using a haptic motor, and a video sequencer that plays synchronized visual clips. Together, they offer a private, silent, and deeply physical way to compose and layer rhythms. This kit invites new ways of expressing music — not just by hearing it, but by sensing it.

Where it all began

Background

The story of HAP-BEAT began with a research project called HAP-KICK, initiated by WOMAN OPEN TECH LAB as part of disability arts exploration. From the start, we believed that technology should be for all — inclusive, expressive, and accessible. This belief continues to guide our work as we explore ways for people to connect with sound through more than just hearing.

HAP-BEAT challenges conventional ideas of what “sound” and “music” are. Instead of being limited to what can be heard, we propose that sound can also be felt — through vibration, light, or other undefined sensory patterns. This tactile approach makes music creation more inclusive, while also expanding artistic possibilities for everyone. The rhythms felt through the body can evoke intimate, powerful responses.

A step sequencer you can feel

Haptic Step Sequencer

At the core of HAP-BEAT is the Haptic Step Sequencer — a friendly device that lets you build rhythmic patterns by activating or deactivating its 8 steps using intuitive buttons. When a step is active, it triggers a vibration through a connected haptic motor, allowing you to literally feel the rhythm in real-time. You can adjust both the velocity and length of the vibrations, shaping the rhythm to your own style and sensitivity. The sequencer plays these patterns in a loop, creating an ongoing tactile rhythm that grows with your input.

Feel your unique beats come alive! This tactile feedback offers a new, embodied way to experience rhythm — one that transforms sound into something you can touch and respond to physically.

A video sequencer that syncs

Video Sequencer

HAP-BEAT also comes with a wonderful Video Sequencer — a visual tool that works perfectly in sync with your Step Sequencer, adding a beautiful layer of imagery to the rhythms you create. It acts like a simple VJ tool that matches your tactile music in real time.

The Video Sequencer connects wirelessly to the Haptic Step Sequencer, sharing information such as tempo and which beats are active. This lets your visual elements respond directly to the rhythm you've built, turning musical structure into visual expression.

You can switch between different videos for each step and move between edit and preview modes to shape your performance. The result is a complete multi-sensory experience — a harmony of touch and sight that evolves with your creativity

Explore features

Features

Ready for more fun? You can connect two Step Sequencers to layer different vibration patterns — just like adding instruments in a song! This opens up possibilities for more complex compositions and even collaborative music-making with friends. Each sequencer can contribute a unique rhythm, allowing you to build richer, more textured tactile performances.

Plus, the Step Sequencer and Video Sequencer communicate wirelessly. This seamless connection keeps your tactile rhythms and their captivating visuals perfectly in sync. It creates an immersive, multi-sensory experience where sound, touch, and sight come together — expanding how you create and feel music beyond the ordinary.

Share and connect

Contact

We invite you to jump into the unique experience of "vibration composition" with HAP-BEAT! We would absolutely love to hear about your creative adventures and your thoughts on this new way to make music.

If you have any questions or would like to know more, please don't hesitate to contact WOMAN OPEN TECH LAB.

Contact Information

w.and.t.lab@gmail.com

+82 (070) 8811 2222

jung-301ho Sewoon Makers' Cube Inhyeonsangga 72 Mareunnaero Junggu Seoul SOUTH KOREA