While I appreciate the connections you draw between ratios and scale tones, you give the impression that the ratios are informed by the tones, when in fact it is the reverse: the tones are where they are because of the ratios involved, ratios that make up the harmonic series. The harmonic series can be found in any study of waves, not just musical acoustics – and there’s nothing difficult about it, it’s simply a description of all ratios that cause resonance.
So, fundamentally what’s more important is the application of harmonic ratios: both music and design can be informed by them. What I find less useful is trying to apply musical terminology to design.
Great food for thought, though, and I liked your discussion about binding content to device aspect ratio.
Stephen Band
While I appreciate the connections you draw between ratios and scale tones, you give the impression that the ratios are informed by the tones, when in fact it is the reverse: the tones are where they are because of the ratios involved, ratios that make up the harmonic series. The harmonic series can be found in any study of waves, not just musical acoustics – and there’s nothing difficult about it, it’s simply a description of all ratios that cause resonance.
So, fundamentally what’s more important is the application of harmonic ratios: both music and design can be informed by them. What I find less useful is trying to apply musical terminology to design.
Great food for thought, though, and I liked your discussion about binding content to device aspect ratio.