The 10,000 Instruments Workshop - (Im)practical Research for Critical Speculation

Abstract

This paper describes the 10,000 Instruments workshop, a collaborative online event conceived to generate interface ideas and speculate on music technology through openended artefacts and playful design explorations. We first present the activity, setting its research and artistic scope. We then report on a selection of outcomes created by workshop attendees, and examine the critical design statements they convey. The paper concludes with reflections on the make-believe, whimsical and troublemaking approach to instrument design adopted in the workshop. In particular, we consider the ways this activity can support individuals' creativity, unlock shared musical visions and reveal unconventional perspectives on music technology development.

Sound -> Object -> Gesture: Physical Affordances of Virtual Materials

“…All participants were asked to self identify as 'musicians' as we felt prior musical training would aid the themes and language used at interview. Participants musical background and experience with conventional and digital musical instruments and general digital technologies was assessed using a questionnaire [27,28], and their general musical sophistication [19] established using using the Goldsmiths Musical Sophistication Index questionnaire [34] 3.2.2 Method. A study kit was delivered to each participant, and the 'Study Guide' walked them though the completion of the study.…”

“…The study was conducted 'in the wild' [2,42], more specifically in the homes of the study participants. Unlike previous design studies [1,27,28,50] which provide a set range of materials for the design process, our participants were free to pick from anything they could find. We are particularly interested in the tangible objects used by participants to complete the instrument design process and the relationship of these objects to the four provided sound models.…”