MusiCane: an Accessible Digital Instrument inspired by the white cane

Emmanouil Dimogerontakis, Dan Overholt, and Stefania Serafin

Proceedings of the International Conference on New Interfaces for Musical Expression

Abstract:

We introduce the design and implementation of MusiCane, a musical device with the aim of creating new accessible avenues for music-making to promote mutual engagement across diverse social groups. MusiCane offers the possibility for active participatory music making, thereby broadening electronic music interactions and aesthetics. It seeks to bridge different communities through playful and engaging means, particularly including individuals who face barriers in traditional music-making practices. This Accessible Digital Musical Instrument (ADMI) is conceptualized based on insights derived from discussions and meetings with blind individuals and therapists. Its primary objective is to explore the creative potential of the white cane as an interactive medium. The design process involved incorporating feedback and perspectives from these stakeholders, to ensure the device's relevance and effectiveness in addressing the unique needs and experiences of users with visual impairments. To realize these objectives, a musical interactive installation has been produced, marking the first iteration of a prototype for a multi-user experience. The project not only contributes to the inclusive design of musical instruments, but also strives to create an environment where individuals from various backgrounds can come together, fostering collaboration, creativity, and engagement in the realm of music.

Citation:

Emmanouil Dimogerontakis, Dan Overholt, and Stefania Serafin. 2024. MusiCane: an Accessible Digital Instrument inspired by the white cane. Proceedings of the International Conference on New Interfaces for Musical Expression. DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.13904852

BibTeX Entry:

  @article{nime2024_41,
 abstract = {We introduce the design and implementation of MusiCane, a musical device with the aim of creating new accessible avenues for music-making to promote mutual engagement across diverse social groups. MusiCane offers the possibility for active participatory music making, thereby broadening electronic music interactions and aesthetics. It seeks to bridge different communities through playful and engaging means, particularly including individuals who face barriers in traditional music-making practices. This Accessible Digital Musical Instrument (ADMI) is conceptualized based on insights derived from discussions and meetings with blind individuals and therapists. Its primary objective is to explore the creative potential of the white cane as an interactive medium. The design process involved incorporating feedback and perspectives from these stakeholders, to ensure the device's relevance and effectiveness in addressing the unique needs and experiences of users with visual impairments. To realize these objectives, a musical interactive installation has been produced, marking the first iteration of a prototype for a multi-user experience. The project not only contributes to the inclusive design of musical instruments, but also strives to create an environment where individuals from various backgrounds can come together, fostering collaboration, creativity, and engagement in the realm of music.},
 address = {Utrecht, Netherlands},
 articleno = {41},
 author = {Emmanouil Dimogerontakis and Dan Overholt and Stefania Serafin},
 booktitle = {Proceedings of the International Conference on New Interfaces for Musical Expression},
 doi = {10.5281/zenodo.13904852},
 editor = {S M Astrid Bin and Courtney N. Reed},
 issn = {2220-4806},
 month = {September},
 numpages = {7},
 pages = {275--281},
 presentation-video = {https://youtu.be/0vuHWlc_o3M?si=NpgY4Pm1iAkvyd51},
 title = {MusiCane: an Accessible Digital Instrument inspired by the white cane},
 track = {Papers},
 url = {http://nime.org/proceedings/2024/nime2024_41.pdf},
 year = {2024}
}