Longitudinal Evaluation of the Integration of Digital Musical Instruments into Existing Compositional Work Processes

Abstract

This paper explores a longitudinal approach to the qualitative evaluation of a set of digital musical instruments, which were developed with a focus on creativity and exploration. The instruments were lent to three electronic musicians/composers for a duration of four weeks. Free exploration periods and a compositional task evaluated using semi-structured show and tell sessions revealed that the context of use had a major influence on how the instruments were experienced by the test persons. Central issues revolved around the learning/adoption process, and around the importance of playability, explorability, and connectivity.

Notes

¹40PC Series Miniature Signal Conditioned Pressure Sensor from Honeywell.

²Model 357 from Vishay.

³SoftPot from Spectra Symbol.

⁴402 FSR from Interlink.

⁵Arduino Duemilanove.

⁶For more on development, mapping-strategies, etc. please refer to http://media.aau.dk/∼stg/phoxes

⁷ http://www.attrakDiff.de

⁸ http://www.apple.com/logicstudio/logicpro/

⁹The MachineDrum by Elektron.

¹⁰ http://www.ableton.com/live

¹¹ http://www.steinberg.net/en/products/nuendo.html

¹² http://monome.org/articles/2011/01/14/arc/