TacTile
Digital Musical Instrument
This thesis explores the design, development, and use of a touch-sensitive digital musical instrument called TacTile that is inspired by elements of the electric guitar and piano. The project features an eTextile-based matrix sensing method, custom software implementation and digital fabrication processes that inform its tactile, expressive and responsive qualities.
This study asks two interrelated primary research questions: what can be learned by designing, developing and using a new electronic musical instrument that focuses on my needs as a musician—specifically tactility and control intimacy; and how the design, development and use of this instrument alter the experience of making music.
Following a Research Through Design methodology, this project employs Iterative Prototyping to refine the instrument. The instrument is evaluated through Reflective Use for specific musical tasks by practicing and performing with it.
Design Challenge
Capture depth and breadth of the business’ offerings and provide a comprehensive website that is easy for users to navigate. Align the website with the conceptual framework and visual identity of the brand.
Outcomes
Designed and defined the overall function, flow and visual identity of the website.
Will be offering support to develop, onboard and upload content to the website at a later stage as well.
Process Overview
KICKOFF
The goal of this phase was to gain a deeper understanding of the business, the potential users and introduce the process by getting everyone on the same page.
Stakeholder Interviews
Strategising
Business & User Goals
DISCOVERY
This phase involved having a look at similar existing websites and better define which features would be suitable for our needs.
Competitive Analysis
Feature Prioritisation
DESIGN
This phase dealt with the potential organisation of different types of content on the site, sorting out the navigation, user flows as well as the visual design of the site.
Information Architecture
Site Mapping
User Flows
Wireframing
Visual Identity
Prototyping
Documentation & Delivery
DEVELOPMENT
Since the clients would be coding and building the site themselves, this stage involved offering consulting and support in terms of how designs were to be implemented.
Plugin Analysis
Responsive Design
Website Building
This thesis culminates in a discussion about TacTile’s unique properties, gestural affordances, and idiomaticity—examining how these aspects shape music creation through the instrument.
Based on the feature set intended for the website and the users’ needs, it was determined that users needed to be able to carry out the following 6 tasks using the flows outlined below:
