Imagine a world where your ambient audio stems not from pre-recorded tracks but from a living, virtual landscape. This is the concept behind Mur Mur, a 3D printed prototype speaker crafted by oio and mattering. Instead of acting as a mere device, it simulates a dynamic ecosystem inhabited by digital agents, creating an endless stream of natural soundscapes.
Mur Mur stands apart by creating persistent environments, each with their own ecosystem. The “Block” version simulates an urban scene with pigeons, commuters, and street sounds. “Plot” transports you to a forest with its birds and shifting weather patterns. “Pond” is quieter, focusing on aquatic life with fish and frogs. Each setting continuously evolves, offering a unique audio experience even when you’re not listening.
The interaction model of Mur Mur and its virtual inhabitants revolve around real-time influences and environmental events, shifting its function from simply generating sound to immersing listeners in a living ecosystem. It leverages elements from ecology, game design, and generative music to redefine how digital products can act as spaces.
An Object of Playful Complexity
The Mur Mur speaker’s design resembles a compact device, characterized by its softly rounded structure and perforated surfaces. Its physical controls reject the conventional aesthetics of sleek smart speakers. The prototype is designed for versatility, with sizes ranging from desktop to portable variations.
Its playful nature is underscored by a humorous message: “Do not shake too hard, living agents are inside.” This nod to its pseudo-realism positions Mur Mur as more than just an audio device—it’s an autonomous, living entity.
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Generative Art Meets Digital Living
While the project enters the realm of generative AI discussions, its creators focus on building autonomous systems that naturally evolve over time. Mur Mur’s approach echoes the principles of generative art, where simple rules lead to complex outcomes. This method encourages patience, offering a dynamic experience not based on immediate interaction but on ongoing developments in its miniature world.
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Currently a working prototype, Mur Mur is the brainchild of a collaboration between @oio.studio and @matteringstudio. As they seek partners to bring the project to a wider audience, Mur Mur poses a significant question: Should digital devices simply react to us, or should they be allowed the depth to grow and change alongside their users?
Sources & Links
Source: designboom.com
Frequently asked questions
What makes Mur Mur different from traditional speakers?
Mur Mur simulates a dynamic ecosystem inhabited by digital agents, creating an endless stream of natural soundscapes instead of playing pre-recorded tracks.
What environments does Mur Mur simulate?
Mur Mur creates persistent environments such as an urban scene with pigeons, a forest with birds and shifting weather, and a pond focusing on aquatic life with fish and frogs.
Who collaborated to create the Mur Mur speaker?
Mur Mur is the brainchild of a collaboration between @oio.studio and @matteringstudio.