When a child is born with congenital heart disease the rhythm of life is disrupted. Despite being the most common birth defect in the world, general awareness of CHD is low. The CHD-4 drum machine was created in a collaboration between audiovisual designer Love Hultén and teenage engineering to highlight the issue. The device, functioning as a modular synthesizer, produces rhythms made using the electrocardiograms of four children with different heart defects.
The different ECGs have been decoded into a sequencer, making it possible to play on the heartbeat of each child. After being introduced to the world on WHOs International World Heart’s Day, September 29, the CHD–4 will continue on tour during the fall to visit different creators and artists.
The machine will be auctioned out on Valentine’s Day 2023 to the highest bidder with all proceeds donated to the Swedish Heartchild Foundation.