Product Design / Native Instruments
Circular
Polyphonic Sequencer
A collaboration with Frank Elting. Transforming a deep synthesis vision into an accessible performance instrument through radial interface design.
Organizing Chaos
Circular is an expressive polyphonic sequencer created in close collaboration with Frank Elting, the mind behind Straylight and Pharlight.
The instrument is capable of immense depth, allowing for independent step lengths, velocities, and parameters across four distinct layers. The design challenge was one of architecture: How do you present this level of complexity without overwhelming the user?
The Radial Interface
We moved away from linear timelines to a concentric, radial layout. This wasn't just an aesthetic choice—it was a functional solution to visualizing polyrhythms.
By stacking the four instrument layers as rings, users can instantly grasp the relationship between different cycle lengths (polymeters) at a glance. It turns abstract timing math into a clear visual shape.
Prototyping the Behavior
To validate this unconventional interface before committing to Kontakt Scripting, I built interactive prototypes in Codepen (see above).
Beyond verifying that radial editing felt precise, the prototype simulated real-time playback. This was crucial for calibration: we needed to see exactly how the rings would highlight active notes during complex sequences. It allowed us to determine the "right amount" of animation—ensuring the interface felt alive and informative without becoming a distraction.