Jack Lalor
Forma Sonus is a browser-based audio-reactive visual tool that allows users to create real-time visuals from audio input. Users can upload audio, use a microphone or line-in device, then customise a range of built-in visual types using simple controls such as sliders, colour pickers and toggles. Visuals can also be combined using a layer system, allowing users to build more complex compositions without needing programming knowledge or specialist visual software.
The project was developed using React, React Three Fiber, Three.js and the Web Audio API. Its main aim is to make audio-reactive visual creation more accessible while still giving users creative control over how sound is translated into movement, colour and form.
Create a browser-based audio-reactive visual tool.
Support multiple audio input methods.
Allow users to customise and combine visuals in real time.
Make audio-reactive visual creation more accessible for beginners.
Use real-time audio analysis and WebGL rendering technologies.
A fully functional browser-based audio-reactive visual application was developed.
Users can upload audio files or use live audio input through microphones and line-in devices.
Multiple visual types were implemented, each responding dynamically to real-time audio analysis.
A layer-based system was created, allowing users to combine and customise multiple visuals simultaneously.
Real-time audio analysis using FFT was successfully integrated using the Web Audio API.
The project demonstrated how audio-reactive visual creation can be made more accessible through a simplified and user-friendly interface.
User testing and feedback helped improve usability and refine key features throughout development.
This thesis explores how audio-reactive visual creation can be made more accessible through browser-based technologies, real-time audio analysis, and user-friendly interactive design. It investigates how sound data can be mapped to dynamic visual behaviour while reducing the technical barriers commonly associated with existing visual software and creative coding tools.
Jack Lalor is a Creative Computing student with an interest in interactive media, creative coding, and real-time visual systems. His work focuses on combining audio, visuals, and user interaction to create immersive digital experiences. Forma Sonus was developed as part of his final year project, exploring how audio-reactive visual creation can be made more accessible through web technologies and intuitive design.
