Tabula

Abstract

This work explores how deformable interfaces can be used as expressive tools used by electronic musicians. Deformable and shape-changing interfaces have become an increasingly popular area of research within design/HCI communities, yet many of this work focusses on either technical actuation or taxonomies of deformation and interaction. For this project, responsive flexible MIDI interfaces were created through combining 3D-printed compliant mechanisms with halleffect sensing, resulting in the final design outcome Tabula. Three design iterations were developed through co-creation sessions with two expert musicians with a background in electronic music, which through making and semi-structured interviews, allowed for gathering of early stage insights into musical expressivity. The findings show that a deformable interface that entangles two or more sound parameters into a multi-axis physical deformation grants the musician expressivity through facilitating fine-motor skills. As well as enabling for surprising sonic outcomes through playful engagement. Furthermore, the investigation also highlights how an accessible fabrication method, in this case filament based 3D-printing, can be used to rapidly prototype circuit boards and compliant mechanisms. Tabula has potential as music performance tool both in the studio and live. Beyond music it can also transfer into other contexts, such as gaming and mobility.