Beat Blocks

A new and immersive way to experience music using haptic technology

Beat Blocks is a multi-sensory haptic dancefloor, designed to minimise ableist barriers to inclusivity in performance spaces and allow for more inclusive musical experiences. The system incorporates a new musical language of colour and features an in-built LED system which will respond to rhythm and frequency.

Inclusive theatre practitioner and Beat Blocks founder, Rowan James, became fascinated with the possibilities of haptic technology and sought to use it in a way that centres accessibility. Focusing on how multi-sensory technologies can be used with D/deaf and neurodiverse communities in particular, they created a system which provides haptic sensory input synchronised with music.

With the help of the Innovate UK Inclusive Innovation Award the team hopes to have a design ready for manufacture soon, complete with a responsive LED system and haptic feedback monitors for performers. Long term, they want to create a product that can be used in any environment and is as inclusive as possible, delivering a new and immersive way to experience music.

“I’m extremely proud of our work and being part of such a plethora of innovations and designs, [with people] approaching inclusion from many angles with a vast range of intentions and outcomes,” says Rowan.