Microbeats
An interface for a digital germ instrument
March 2026
Synopsis
Microbeats (Microbe, beats) is an instrument where the user uses swabs to draw unknown bacteria on a Petri dish. These microbial paths play different sounds depending on which bacteria it is, as well as different pitches depending on where they are on the y-axis of the dish. The thermometer dictates the tempo of the song, which loops from left to right unless paused.
Skills & Software
UI/UX
Interaction Design
Figma
Process
I decided to make my instrument science-related, and was visually led to Petri dishes and bacterial art. I thought a clean design with many gradients would offer a good slate for chaotic bacterial growth patterns. The sound stems from how I imagined microbes would sound if you put a tiny microphone up to them. The sounds are strange and alien.
Product
© 2026 James Farrington