4th Co-Design Session with artists – Cooperativa Paulo Lameiro
Lara Matos, Cooperativa Paulo Lameiro
4th October 2025
Introduction
This 4th co-design session marked an important step in the artistic and technological development of the Amplify project. The meeting focused on the first practical experimentation with VR glasses and the exploration of possible forms of graphic notation to be used in future Concerts for Babies. The session allowed artists to interact directly with technology, testing its usability and expressiveness, while deepening collective reflection on the aesthetic and relational implications of using visual scores in a performative context with babies.
Objectives
• Experiment with VR glasses for the first time and observe their usability in artistic practice.
• Test and discuss possible systems of graphic notation to be used in Concerts for Babies.
• Create a space for reflection, sharing of questions, proposals, and artistic suggestions.
• Identify technical and ergonomic needs to be communicated to the technological development team.
• Define the next steps for the laboratories with artists and families.
Location
Musicalmente, Pousos, Leiria, Portugal – 4th October 2025
Participants
• 5 musicians (including resident and guest artists)
• 1 dancer
• 1 artistic director
• 1 psychologist
Sesssion Facilitators
Lara Matos and Paulo Lameiro
Materials and LogisticsMaterials:
• Prototype of VR glasses (tested for the first time in a real context)
• Projection of different graphic notation proposals
• Musical instruments for practical exercises
• Audiovisual projection equipment
Logistics:
• Space organised in an open circle with a dedicated area for VR experimentation
• Documentation recorded by psychology
Methodologies used
Co-design and Human-Centred Approach
• All participants were involved as co-creators, contributing ideas and observations.
• The session integrated ethical reflection and care for the protection of participants.
• The psychological perspective supported the group reflection.
Session Methodology
Duration: 15:00 – 18:00
Format: Face-to-face meeting in a creative experimental environment.
Approach: Practical exploration and shared reflection.
Activities:
• Presentation and demonstration of the VR glasses.
• Graphic reading exercises with different types of notation.
• Open discussion on artistic impressions, challenges, and ideas.
• Collective reflection on usability, expressiveness, and next steps.
Session Structure
The session was structured in three main moments:
1. Welcome and Contextualisation – Introduction to the goals of the session and brief overview of the technological prototype.
2. Practical Exploration – Artists experimented with the VR glasses and engaged in exercises with different forms of graphic notation.
3. Collective Reflection and Discussion – Open sharing of impressions, questions, and proposals about the artistic, technical, and relational dimensions of the experiment.
This structure supported an iterative process of experimentation, reflection, and co-creation, allowing each participant to contribute from their own artistic and personal perspective.
Technological Learnings
• The need to adjust the VR lenses for performers with prescription glasses was identified, as the vision appears blurred.
• During the session, it was highlighted that there should be the possibility for the score to follow the musicians’ head movements, rather than remain fixed in static coordinates, allowing for a more natural and ergonomic reading experience.
• Consideration was given to whether to use an app with preloaded scores or a real-time software that allows dynamic updates.
• These observations will be shared with the tech team for further optimisation.
Artistic Reflections:
• Artists expressed enthusiasm and curiosity about how visual notation can support improvisation and enhance interpretative sensitivity.
• Questions arose about how to balance visual stimulation with the relational and emotional essence of the concerts.
• The presence of guest musicians enriched the creative debate, bringing new perspectives.
Psychological and Relational Dimension:
• The experience highlighted the importance of maintaining visual contact and emotional connection with babies and families, even during the use of technology.
• It reinforced the idea that technology should serve human connection, not replace it.
Next steps
• Compile feedback to share with the tech team.
• Continue exploring animated and interactive graphic notations.
• Prepare upcoming co-creation sessions with families (November), including drawing exercises and first readings of family-created graphics.
• Plan internal rehearsals combining VR glasses with live performance contexts.
Conclusion
The 4th co-design session reinforced the interdisciplinary dialogue between art, technology, and psychology. The first practical experimentation with VR glasses provided valuable insights across artistic, technical, and ethical dimensions of the project. It reaffirmed the commitment to a human-centred artistic innovation, where each step is guided by relational care, critical reflection, and shared creativity.
