This work examines the benefits of using configurable haptic feedback in musical interfaces to improve the performer's ability to control and manipulate sound in electronic music. We explore how different sensory perceptions are connected in order to create rich multimodal interactions. Our research outcome is an open-source MIDI controller with haptic behaviours and a graphical user interface that provides musicians with an additional dimension of software control. We contribute to the development of tangible and adaptable interfaces, notably in the field of electronic music performance.
«The «Waviic» project from Daniel and Svenja revisits a classic control interface like the MIDI-Controller and innovates upon it, reinventing how we can consider a knob or a fader, with functions that are often taken for granted, but that have larger creative potential. This opens up many possibilities of playfulness and engagement with interfaces, with musicians as the primary target group but generally for further applications. The project is already fully functional, it has been iterated upon and tested in many situations, notably with musicians who are now looking forward to keep using it. The students built all the complex electronics themselves, while also producing an advanced theoretical work that links the project with a reflection on musical expression and gestures.» – Excerpt from the supporting statement of the Subject Area in Interaction Design
With «Waviic», musicians can not only design the sounds they control, but also customise the tactile feel of their control mechanism, making them their own instrument designers.» – Daniel Treystman & Svenja Steurer Jene
«I’m interested in the theme of creative tools and sound tools in particular, and can see myself contributing to the development of rich and innovative devices and platforms.» – Daniel Treystman
«I enjoy immersing myself in the creative process of designing fluid interactions and discovering hidden touchpoints from non-human to human, which results in experiences worth experiencing.» – Svenja Steurer Jene