Diego Yañez-Laguna

Experienced in design and computer science with a focus on creating interactive and innovative solutions. Skilled in AI image generation, web interface design, and mechanical prototyping, with experience in research roles at MIT and international collaborations.

Projects

Beatfarm

Beatfarm is a hip-hop beat making game that introduces users to music composition. I worked on creating the game logic, user interface, sound processing, and graphics. Original app made with Python and Kivy animations and I also remade it as a web version using HTML + JavaScript.See More

Sequencer Clock

Sequencer Clock is an instrument inspired by how we experience time when listening to or playing music. Typical beat sequencers or drum machines use linear, rhythmic grids to make sure that every note is exactly on beat. By using a circular, gridless interface that resembles a clock face, Sequencer Clock creates a music-making experience that is more organic and leads to unique and funky rhythms. The movable pieces that control the music being generated encourage people to constantly play around and explore the infinite possibilities that can be generated each time it loops. Sequencer Clock includes three modes: clock, drum, and keyboard. I built a custom circuit that include a distance sensor and Arduino that can send MIDI data to any DAW. I created the enclosure with 3-D printing and metal laser-cutting.See More

Forting

Forting is a kit of parts inspired by the idea of outdoor pillow forts. The kit includes metal struts, 3D printed adjustable joints, waterproof tarps, stakes, and hookable elastic bands. Users can choose how to combine the parts and the kit is designed for easy assembly/disassembly to promote customization and play.See More

Work History

Research Affiliate / Designer

MIT Art, Culture, and Technology Dept. (ACT) Part-time EmployeeDesigned custom robotic mechanisms, PCBs, and 3D-printed housing for interactive art installation. Programmed and tested control systems and sensors.

User Interface Designer

MIT Voxel LabJun 2023 - Aug 2023 • 3 mosBuilt an online user interface from scratch using p5.js and webaudio. It was used for a music tech class at MIT where students used live coding to create digital music. The interface allows users to create UI elements that they can move around to build a custom layout for controlling synthesizers and effects.

Interaction Design Researcher

MaterialBalance.ResearchApr 2022 - Jul 2022 • 4 mosUsed AI image generation and motion tracking to create an interactive website for an exhibition about exploring materials in the metaverse. Also created 3D animations for the lab's first NFT.

Research Assistant

MIT Self Assembly LabJun 2021 - Aug 2021 • 3 mosDesigned and made laser-cut or 3D-printed prototype structures for modeling natural sand accumulation in the Maldives. Designed and ran wave and current tests in a water tank. I also worked on running force tests and analyzing data for lattice structures used for a robot crash protection system.

Web Designer

MIT Digital Structures GroupJun 2020 - Jan 2021 • 8 mosCreated a web interface to aid the sketching process and facilitate design generation. Used different models (CNNs, RNNs, VAEs) to analyze sketches and generate new designs while allowing for direct manipulation of latent variables so that users can navigate the full range of design possibilities.

Education

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Art & Design, Computer Science2019 - 2024

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