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Designing a Music Performance Space for Persons with Intellectual Learning Disabilities

Matti Luhtala, Tiina Kymäläinen, and Johan Plomp

Proceedings of the International Conference on New Interfaces for Musical Expression

Abstract

This paper outlines the design and development process of the ‘DIYSE Music Creation Tool’ concept, by presenting key questions, the used methodology, the music instrument prototype development process and user research activities. The aim of this research is to study how music therapists (or instructors) can utilize novel technologies and study new performing opportunities in the music therapy context, with people who have intellectual learning disabilities. The research applies an action research approach to develop new music technologies by co-designing with the music therapists, in order to develop in situ and improve the adoption of novel technologies. The proof-of-concept software utilizes Guitar Hero guitar controllers, and the software allows the music therapist to personalize interaction mappings between the physical and digital instrument components. By means of the guitars, the users are able to participate in various musical activities; they are able to play prepared musical compositions without extensive training, play together and perform for others. User research studies included the evaluation of the tool and research for performance opportunities.

Citation

Matti Luhtala, Tiina Kymäläinen, and Johan Plomp. 2011. Designing a Music Performance Space for Persons with Intellectual Learning Disabilities. Proceedings of the International Conference on New Interfaces for Musical Expression. DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.1178095 [PDF]

BibTeX Entry


@inproceedings{nime2011_Luhtala,
author = {Luhtala, Matti and Kymäläinen, Tiina and Plomp, Johan},
title = {Designing a Music Performance Space for Persons with Intellectual Learning Disabilities},
pages = {429--432},
booktitle = {Proceedings of the International Conference on New Interfaces for Musical Expression},
year = {2011},
address = {Oslo, Norway},
issn = {2220-4806},
doi = {10.5281/zenodo.1178095},
url = {https://nime.org/proceedings/2011/nime2011_429.pdf},
keywords = {Music interfaces, music therapy, modifiable interfaces, design tools, Human-Technology Interaction (HTI), User-Centred Design (UCD), design for all (DfA), prototyping, performance. },
abstract = {This paper outlines the design and development process of the ‘DIYSE Music Creation Tool’ concept, by presenting key questions, the used methodology, the music instrument prototype development process and user research activities. The aim of this research is to study how music therapists (or instructors) can utilize novel technologies and study new performing opportunities in the music therapy context, with people who have intellectual learning disabilities. The research applies an action research approach to develop new music technologies by co-designing with the music therapists, in order to develop in situ and improve the adoption of novel technologies. The proof-of-concept software utilizes Guitar Hero guitar controllers, and the software allows the music therapist to personalize interaction mappings between the physical and digital instrument components. By means of the guitars, the users are able to participate in various musical activities; they are able to play prepared musical compositions without extensive training, play together and perform for others. User research studies included the evaluation of the tool and research for performance opportunities.}
}