Turning data into design has always been an interest of mine. But turning data into design that’s fashionable too? Now that’s just crazy.
But that’s what computational designer Alvaro Soto did. He started by asking, “Can ‘luxury’ be distilled from noise?” From there, he recorded video and sound samples in high-end jewelers throughout New York City, including the likes of Cartier and Bulgari. Soto turned the sound waves into geometries, and then the geometries, or “gemstones” as Soto refers to them, were 3D printed in stainless steel and painted gold, creating the Trucartier collection of rings.
These gold rings are one-of-a-kind soundscapes – infographics you can wear on your hand. Soto found away to combine data visualization and product design to make a completely new way of understanding sound. His rings are a symbol for what luxury really means. After all, the rings where created from a completely free source –sound.
The TruCartier collection of rings is the prefect representation of the possibilities our future holds. This idea started from a simple question, a question that may have even seemed trivial at first. Anything is possible and breakthroughs are happening everyday. Data visualization is no longer just a simple timeline or infographic.
This tangible example of data visualization has inspired me to continue to think outside of the box. Creativity is happening everywhere, and who knows, I just might come up with the next sound-sourced piece of jewelry for your collection.
Sara Wynkoop 