Vision Without Sight
Developing Immersive Soundscapes with Hodr Engine, a Screen Reader First Spatial Audio Creation Tool
This presentation, delivered by Freya Shaw, a registered blind Computer Science PhD student at the University of Bristol, and founder of Immersion Sound Studio, introduces Hodr Engine, a no code, spatial audio creation tool for those of any sight condition or technical skill level to create and play interactive audio experiences for immersive media, including audio games and soundscapes. The platform is accessible with VoiceOver, Apple's screen reader.
Hodr Engine uses a no code grid interface that allows users to position sound objects in 3D space, customise their spatial and behavioural properties, and apply features such as reverberation and convolution based effects.
The talk will give an overview of Hodr's development and fast growing feature set, including the new spatial audio features of the SignalFlow DSP engine that drives Hodr's audio rendering. It will demonstrate creating a soundscape in Hodr Engine using the grid interface with VoiceOver, before exploring the completed environment using binaural audio and real time head tracking.
Freya will also discuss her research at the University of Bristol to extend Hodr from a binaural headphone based system to a multi speaker environment for loudspeaker reproduction. This broadens its application to areas including immersive theatre and gallery installations, demonstrating that you don't need sight to have vision.
Freya Shaw
University of Bristol PhD Researcher and Founder
Immersion Sound Studio Ltd
Freya Shaw is a registered blind Computer Science PhD student at the University of Bristol and the founder of Immersion Sound Studio. Through her company, she creates commissioned binaural sound design and music for media including video games and exhibitions, with a focus on accessibility for blind and visually impaired audiences.
Alongside her PhD, Freya is developing Hodr Engine, a no code spatial audio creation tool supported by Innovate UK and built on research from her scholarship funded Master by Research at the University of Huddersfield and her current PhD scholarship.
Freya also works as an accessibility consultant for immersive experiences and regularly shares her expertise in accessible game and software development at events including SpillKonventet and DevCom. In her spare time, she composes for classical guitar and produces in Logic Pro, and enjoys audio fiction podcasts.