Legato
May.2021 //
The Problem
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“I wish mine had more padding - it digs into my collarbone too much.” - John C. ‘22
Despite many state-of-the-art options, most users find existing violin and viola rests to be uncomfortable, putting pressure on the collarbone or soft tissue areas and poorly contouring to their anatomy.
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“I was in constant fear that (the rest) would pop off the violin during a performance.” - Nick K. ‘22
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“As a woman, it is nearly impossible to find a decent shoulder rest. I’ve tried at least seven with no luck…” - Jehan D. ‘22
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“All of the Juilliard students use makeup sponges to customize their shoulder rests.” - Marcia Cassidy, Dartmouth Senior Lecturer of Violin and Viola
The Need
Violin and viola players need customized, comfortable and secure shoulder rests in order to optimize positioning and avoid pain during practice and performance.
Personal SOA solution made using cabinet foam and rubber bands courtesy of lead user and Dartmouth College Violin Instructor + Lecturer, Dr. Omar C. Guey.
Design Process
We started our design exploration by thinking-through-analogy, making quick mockups/prototypes, and performing some initial user-testing with the Dartmouth Symphony Orchestra to gain feedback on what was important to users.
Our team looked at custom insole molding as we explored the design challenge through thinking-by-analogy.
Our team looked at bicycle saddle design as we explored the design challenge through thinking-by-analogy.
Early brainstorming.
Need-finding and aspects of violin/viola shoulder rest that affect function.
Initial solution sketching and process mapping.
Design sketching around contouring.
One set of initial laser-cut mockups exploring flexibility as a solution.
One initial foam prototype exploring the idea of sculpting the padding to take pressure off of the collarbone.
An initial foam prototype installed on a violin.
User-testing one initial prototype.
Creating the Solution
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As seen in the video, the process begins with the musician creating an impression taking into account the user’s anatomy and preferences.
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Once the user has created their impression, they can take either a multitude of photos from various angles, or a couple videos. Then, using Apple’s RealityKit API, these images are stitched together to create a highly accurate mesh model of the impression.
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The now digitized impression model is used as the bounding input for a generated lattice structure, with variable density through the form to provide progressive support and comfort.
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Once latticed, the model was 3D-printed using 80A flexible resin in an SLA printer. Then, the padding is bonded to a baseplate printed using CarbonX nylon chopped-fiber filament to provide stiffness and improve acoustics.
