Iterative Design for Approachable, Mobile-Based Collaborative Electronic Music Instruments

Abstract

The steep learning curve for technology for electronic music creation enforces a barrier to entry for new electronic musicians that prevents them from enjoying the playful process of creating music, without significant investment of time, energy, or money. This thesis argues that this barrier to entry should be abolished by using creative technology as a platform in order to begin the democratisation of electronic music creation processes. By drawing upon specific values inherent to the playful process of creating music, this thesis suggests a framework for iterative design of social, electronic musical instruments. The combination of implementing this framework and informing design directions upon user feedback has resulted in the creation of Pyxis Minor, a new, smartphone and tablet based, electronic musical interface/instrument that allows users of any prior musical background to have a playful creative and social experience of making music. This is important for distinguishing that the apparent barrier to entry for electronic music creation may be unnecessary, and it is possible to develop instruments and interfaces for the playful creation of electronic music that fulfil the needs and requirements of a diverse range of users.