Sweet Caffeine
Sound Therapy / Embodied Interaction
This project is a therapeutic, multi-sensory installation designed as an energetic respite for individuals experiencing stress and exhaustion, simulating the revivifying effects of a coffee break through tactile and sonic stimulation.

Media: Alexsa Tolentino;
Tech & Physical Computing: Peiyu Eva Zhou
Production: Yuan Fang.

Technical Details: Ableton Live, Arduino, custom MIDI controller, pressure sensors, vibration haptics, localized scent release, custom LED goggles, Velostat, conductive threads, breadboards, and hand-soldered fabrication.


The centerpiece is an interactive reclining chair synced with deep house music delivered through headphones. As the chair vibrates in tandem with the bass frequencies, participants utilize custom pressure sensors embedded in the armrest to intuitively modulate musical parameters like tempo and pitch. The experience is heightened by a localized scent release and optional stroboscopic goggles; by pulsing internal LED lights at specific frequencies, the goggles generate kaleidoscopic, closed-eye visuals scientifically linked to stress reduction, transporting the participant into a private state of club-like euphoria.