Senna is an audio-visual instrument for children made for the ‘Klankspeeltuin’ (‘Sonic Kindergarten’) in Amsterdam and for the MixMax experience in the Royal Tropical Institute in Amsterdam. Senna guides children step-by-step through the exciting process of creating an audio-visual composition. They learn how to download YouTube videos, make video beats, video melodies, construct a story with video samples and apply audio-visual 3D effects. By the end of their journey, they will have crafted their very first composition!

Children can make up to 8 audio-visual compositions and do a live performance to present their work. You can call Senna an audio-visual instrument or a interactive 3D tutorial, but most children call Senna a ‘film making game’ or a ‘3D children’s book’. This innovative project has been recognized for its excellence, winning a Best Practice Rozet award.

3D Interface

The interface of Senna comprises of a virtual 3D space where all the interface elements coexist together. Children are guided through the creative process by instructions integrated in the 3D interface. In 25 steps they make a video collage consisting of four layers: a video rhythm, a video melody, a video bassline and a story. They can enhance the collage with 3D audio-visual effects. All functions of Senna operate in real-time, so children can play and experiment intuitively.

Live performance

During the creative process, children use the Senna controller to control the visual mix, audio volume and audio-visual 3D effects live. At the end of their journey, when they made a full composition, they were able to do a live presentation of their work using the Senna controller. Triggering and mixing the videos and playing with the audio-visual effects.

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